Sweet Alchemy by Amelia

My Melina Turns 11!

2012-02-05T14:46:00.000-08:00

Paint Splash Topper Cake for Melina (Splat's inspired by Anne Heap)

Melina's Paint Palette Cupcakes

What a fabulous time had by all at Melina's 11th Birthday Party yesterday held at Stay and Clay in Port Washington!

Melina...my wonderful granddaughter turned 11! Of course Yiayia Malia simply could not let a birthday go without making something special!

...A vanilla butter cake/cupcakes infused with a strawberry simple syrup and filled with the freshest and most scrumptious strawberries and passion fruit Italian Meringue Buttercream. Now you would think that an 11 year old would want American Buttercream....but not Melina! She asked specifically that her cake be filled with IMBC cuz "Yiayia! you make it so light and fluffy!!!" Gotta love it!

Melina...by the way is a very talented and artsy young lady! Not that she's my granddaughter mind you...but she is pretty good with a brush and paint AND plays clarinet! Seems like it runs in the family....All of my grandbabies are into the arts in some way. Katie plays piano...and bakes, Costa plays trombone and loves to dabble in cakes as well!!

Well darlin!!!

HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY!

I hope you had a fabulous day!

Oh lest I forget to give credit where credit is due...The topper cake for Melina's Paint Palette Cupcake Tower was inspired by Anne Heap, of New Jersey. She had done a three tiered paint splat cake...which was totally cool. Thank you for the inspiration Anne.

Justin Bieber and Cinderella Come to Port

2012-02-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

Joanna and Her Justin Bieber Cake

Princess Cake for Carmela

Princess Carmela and her Princess Cake

So...what a busy weekend this baking mama has had! It was such a pleasure creating these cakes for sisters...Joanna who turned 13 and Carmela who turned 5!!!

Joanna our new teen...celebrated her 13th birthday with a Justin Bieber Cake. Joanna is such a sweet young lady. So so eloquent and polite and all the good things a teen can be! Her favorite colors are purple and lavender and so I created a cake in lavender with a 2-d standup of Justin singing. I guess it's the next best thing to having him be at her party.

Happy Birthday Joanna!!!!

Now as for our little princess Carmela...well she wanted a Princess Cake! And so...I set out to make a cake with a crown filled with royal icing pearls. A crown fit for a princess.

Carmela is adorable!!!! I wish when I was teaching to have had a classroom filled with Carmelas.

Carmela's favorite color is pink.

From what I heard...there was going to be a special visitor the Princess Carmela's castle...Yes..you guessed it....Cinderella of course!

Here is hoping that both Joanna's and Carmela's party were hugely fun!!!!

Their cakes were respectively....chocolate blackout cake filled with a chocolate mousse, and yellow buttercake filled with fresh sugared strawberries and Italian Meringue buttercream.

Again....

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY JOANNA!!!

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY CARMELA!!

Bridal Shower Cake for Christina at Il Bacco

2012-02-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

Gumpaste shoe with ribbon and ribbon rose and some bling on top of purse cake.

Purse Cake and gumpaste shoe. This was inspired by the invitation for Christina's Shower.

Gift Box made to accompany the purse and shoe display.

Gift Box Cake and Shoe on Purse Cake for Christina's Shower. Don't know if you can see the board but it was stenciled with a damask royal icing technique.

Cupcakes for Christina's Shower. Chocolate Blackout Cake topped with a Passionfruit Italian Meringue Buttercream

I so love wedding and shower cakes! Alexandra a friend and former teaching collegue called me to create a cake for her sister-in-law to be Christina's Bridal Shower. I can't tell you how happy and honored I was! Alexandra is soooo sweet!

She had a vision for the shower, and I must say it was lovely. When I saw the invitation I knew exactly where to go with the cake.

The fun part of making the shoe was when I bought a pair of spiked heels and tore them apart to get just the right pitch for the sole. (Thank you Anne Heap for the great tutorial on gumpaste shoe making!) You should have seen the look on hubby's face when I sat there tearing the shoe apart!!! lol

Little tip for all my cake designer/decorator friends..something I'm sure you all know....but I thought I share anyway....Make as many of the decorations as you can well in advance of assembling your cakes....Makes for an easier and faster assembly on "building" day!

Now back to THE cake. It was a moist...yellow butter cake...filled with sugared fresh strawberries and passion fruit Italian Meringue buttercream. To get the buttercream really light an fluffy...I beat it on low-medium after I've added my flavorings for a couple more minutes. mmmmmmmm!

By the way...the venue...Il Bacco on Northern Blvd in Little Neck, NY is amazing. The venue for the shower was beautiful. I can't wait to go to dinner there one evening in their restaurant.

Congratulations to Chistina. As we say in Greek...Sta Stefana. Literally translated... And to the crowning.

Alexandra...what a lovely lovely job you did organizing the shower! Everything was done so beautifully...and was ohhhhh so chic!!!! Brava!!!

Sweet 16 Cowgirl Boots for Noelle

2012-01-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

Brown and Turquoise Cowgirl Boots Cake

Edna M. and Daughter Noelle

I love country music and anything associated with it. So you can imagine how pleased I was to have received the phone call from Edna asking for a cowgirl boots cake for her lovely daughter Noelle who celebrated her Sweet 16 today

Mom Edna shared with me that for Noelle's birthday, they were taking her to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and could I please construct a pair of cowgirl boots cake for Noelle. Well...my dear friends...of course I said yes! Now mind you...this challenge was a first for me. As you all know...I have created car cakes, character cakes, a Cartier watch cake, designer purses, and designer shoes...but boots? How hard could it be? At first...it was a daunting project...but...not being one to back down from a cake challenge I forged forward.

First order of business was to talk about the style of boot cake Noelle might like.

Remember on the Next Great Baker...when Buddy presented the bakers with a challenge to create a cake for Miss USA? Well the one thing he said that rang true was "listen to your customer". I always try to listen to all of my wonderful clients, and then of course, I research to get inspiration and talk some more. For Noelle's cake we decided on a cake that wasn't juvenille, no pinks or purples. I viewed several photos that Edna had sent...and from them I could see that the boots were playful...yet sophisticated. Perfect for a young lady. What caught my eye especially was a pair of boots that had turquoise in them...and so I ran with the turquoise and brown with a hint of silver beads.

I loved speaking with Edna, she is so lovely....and a cake decorator as well!!! Yah...you read correctly...Edna M. is a cake decorator...and amazingly talented! No pressure there to create a cake that would not only make the birthday girl happy but now...it's being delivered to a cake decorator!

Well...to make a very long story short....the cake was created...and turned out to be a "piece of cake" and a lot of fun to create and deliver! I'm still in awe at how easy it was to deliver. You know how stressful deliveries can be!

And...what made it even more special was finally meeting Edna and her beautiful family in person.

Edna...if you're reading this...the offer still stands for that Cake Playdate in Port!

Happy Sweet 16 Noelle.

Hints for Ease of Applying Fondant to A Cake Boot

1. Roll out your fondant between two sheets of plastic to the size you will need to cover the area in sections on the cake.

2. Open up the plastic and place a piece of parchment to cover the fondant and immediately flip it over.

3. If you are cutting out a pattern place your template over the exposed fondant and using your hobby knife proceed to cut out your pattern.

4. Transfer the fondant still attached to the parchment onto a cookie sheet and place in freezer for about 15 minutes.

5. After 15 minutes or so...remove from freezer. Peel off the parchment and apply fondant to cake (smooth side up)...allowing the warmth of your hands to thaw the fondant, as you go along forming the fondant to the cake.

This method is really great as the fondant won't stretch and pull...you know that awful distortion that happens when you try to apply fondant to irregular shapes.

I also use this method to cut out intricate stencils. Saves so much time and aggravation!

Cupcakes and Cookies for Shirin

2012-01-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun creating these cupcakes and Cookies for the cookie tree for Shirin....a beautiful mommy to be! Shirin is a clothing designer/owner of Shirin NYC. Her wonderful Aunt Sandra and I sat together to brainstorm the concept Sandra had for the cupcakes and cookies.
Since Shirin owns this cothing company, Sandra thought it would be a great idea to make cookies with the prints of designs found on Shirin's onsie's and little tops in the colors of the adorable outfits Shirin creates.
The cupcakes were inspired by applique designs of little birds and owls, but also fall into the theme of the cookie designs.
Sandra created the tree stand for the the cookies. How creative is that!

Cookies were a lemon/vanilla sugar cookie...and the cupcakes were a blackout chocolate cake filled with cookies and cream topped with Vanilla Italian Meringue Buttercream.

Here is wishing Shirin good luck.

Martini Themed Birthday Cake During The Christmas Season

2011-12-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

Had such a hard time not making a couple of French Martinis while creating this gift package birthday cake for Mollie (aka Marlena) this past weekend. Inspiration was drawn from the holiday season and most importantly from my consultation with Theresa of the fabulous Italian Restaurant - Il Bacco in Queens, New York.
                                                 Happy Birthday Mollie!

The cakes Blackout Chocolate Cake filled Raspberry Preserves and Strawberry Compote Italian Meringue Buttercream. They were served with a fresh sugared strawberry topping - which by the way is so very easy to make.

                                                     Sugared Strawberries

                                                     1 Pint Fresh Strawberries
                                                     1/2 cup sugar

Rinse and quarter strawberries and place in a bowl.
Pour sugar over strawberries and mix through to evenly coat the strawberries.
Cover and place in refrigerator for about 2 hours. The sugar will draw out the yummy juices from the strawberries.
Serve the strawberry goodness.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL!

AND

MAY 2012

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS!

Barbara Streisand Theme Birthday Cake for Lauren's Mom

2011-12-04T07:05:00.001-08:00

When Lauren M. called me to create a cake for her mom's birthday for this past weekend I was thrilled. Lauren one of my newest customers had me create a Knick's themed birthday cake for her dad just about two week ago.

Lauren's mom loves Barbara Streisand! Enough said...I knew exactly where to go with this cake.
Barbara in a black gown, a mic in her hand and a hat that she might have worn ... no guarantee there, in Hello Dolly....but then again...the hats she wore in that movie were really big. Nevertheless, I wanted to get a hat of sorts on my little figurine characature of her.
I had seen Barbara in pearls and with other hats with flowers and a fan so I incorporated those on the side of the cake as well as "pinkish" make-up. I don't think I've seen Barbara in bolder color lipsticks.
As a cake designer, people ask sometimes, where do you get your ideas? Well honestly, for the most part the initial inspiration comes from my customers. I get an idea as to what they have in mind, then I simply go off and do research on what they've said. This time was a little harder as there weren't any and I mean there weren't any cakes I could find with a Barbara Streisand Theme to help jumpstart my creative process. So, I just found pics of Barbara and her movies, watched her song videos and listened to a cd of her music I had stashed in my cd archives. My God she has an awesome voice! Once in the Barbara zone...there was no turning back!
Lauren's mom's birthday celebration was held at "388" a lovely restaurant in Roslyn, New York.
Oh...by the way...the cake flavor? Blackout Chocolate Cake filled with Cookies and Cream.
Okay...so now...Barbara's song is stuck in my head...."Memories of the Way We Were". How I love that song!

Winter Wonderland Sweet 16 For Michelle

2011-12-04T06:22:00.001-08:00

Here ia a photo of our beautiful Michelle LaRinga who had her Sweet 16 on Friday, December 2. She not only is beautiful on the outside but beautiful on the inside as well. When I first met Michelle and her mom Maria and brother Luca at the shop, I was taken by her sweetness. It was as if I knew her and her lovely mom and brother for years!

Together we designed her cupcake favors. They chose a Winter Wonderland theme featuring white snowflakes to be place in a hexagon box in a cloud of white tuille, tied with a silver ribbon.

The cupcakes after the tasting were half - vanilla butter cakes, filled with a luscious passion fruit buttercream and topped with vanilla buttercream, sprinkled with coconut. The other half of the cupcakes...Michelle and mom wanted to please all their guests with a choice of cupcakes - Deep Dark Black Out Chocolate Cake filled with Nutella Buttercream, drizzled with caramel and topped with a Vanilla buttercream.

Michelle's Venue was the lovely Roma View on Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach, New York.

Well Sweet Michelle...I hope you had a fabulous Sweet 16 Party. May you always be happy! And, may all of your Sweet 16 wishes come tru

These gorgeous centerpieces were created by Rose of Designs by Rose in Howard Beach, New York. Rose creates the most beautiful and creative floral designs. Her design work is worthy of being featured on David Tutera's Bride Show!

Noah's Army Cake and Cupcakes

2011-11-23T14:03:00.001-08:00

A first for Sweet Alchemy by Amelia....an army cake for my young friend Noah...Laura's son on his birthday. Noah is all about army...army tanks...army camoflage, army guys...army uniforms. You rock little army guy! Hope your party was the best ever.

Happy Birthday Noah!

Hannah's Little Mermaid Cake and Cupcakes

2011-11-23T13:27:00.001-08:00

Little Mermaid Cake and Cupcakes for Hannah

Here is a cake and cupcakes I created for my little friend Hannah for her birthday. Hannah and her mom Laura love love love Ariel in the movie "The Little Mermaid". Their favorite scene is when Ariel is sitting on a rock and singing while the ocean waves splash behind her.
Happy Birthday Hannah!

NY Knicks Themed Cake at Riverbay Restaurant

2011-11-20T11:15:00.001-08:00

Here is a NY Knicks themed cake for a customer's Dad for his birthday. The birthday get together was held at a lovely restaurant on Long Island....The Riverbay Restaurant on Willis Avenue in Williston, New York.

Cake was a Yellow Butter Cake with an Italian Meringue "Metaxa" Brandy Buttercream. Yummo!

The ball on top of the cake was of Rice Krispy Treat.

Happy Birthday!

Manhasset Schools SCA Cupcake Favors

2011-11-20T10:52:00.001-08:00

Manhasset Schools SCA Luncheon Cupcake Favors

2011-11-20T10:36:00.001-08:00

Manhasset Schools SCA Luncheon Cupcake Favors

2011-11-19T12:10:00.000-08:00

These Cupcake Favors were given to the guests who attended the Manhasset Schools SEA Luncheon, held at the Town of North Hempstead Country Club. The cupcakes were a delicious pumpkin spice cupcake topped with an Italian Meringue "Metaxa" Buttercream and a sunflower in keeping with the fall theme of the luncheon.

This project of 35o cupcakes to be boxed and ribboned would not have been possible with the help of my daughter, Maria Monis-Sideratos and her friends. These wonderful women went to Maria's house and helped with the boxing, which would have been a daunting task for the "chief pot washer" - baker - and designer - me.

A very special thank you goes to Maria for opening up her house to all of us and to the 350 boxes - ribbons - cupcakes and buttercream.

Michael's 40th Birthday Poker Cake

2011-10-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun birthday cake I created for Michael for his 40th Birthday.

Everything on this cake was handcrafted and painted, with the exception of the lowercase "m" on the poker chips which was created with "Tappit".

When creating cakes, sometimes you need a little inspiration. My friend and partner Sofia had the coolest idea. The wire accents with the card suites decorations suspended from them, were inspired by her card cake. Thanks Sofia. Which brings me to something I have wanted to discuss in my blog....and that is sharing information.

When talking to one of my instructors in cake design....we spoke about sharing "secrets" of the trade etc. And she said something beautiful to me. She said...Amelia...there is enough work out there for all of us. There is no need to hide information and not share our knowledge." I totally agree. Perhaps its the teacher in me....but I always seem to have the urge...the need to teach. Everyone's hand is different. Everyone has there own vision. It's how you take the information you learn and transfer it to the cakes you create that make it your own.

I find that with a little inspiration from other cake designers, the fashion world, nature, and just everyday objects....a cake can be created.

Sometimes...we get "stuck" just as writer's get writers block. I call it caker's block. When I get that way....I just step away. Grab a cup of coffee....sit on my porch....and empty my mind...which isn't very difficult to do these days! Then...I just go back to my worktable...."let go" and allow myself....yah...I mean give myself permission to be me....

Before I know it...I'm in my zone...It's almost as if someone else's hands are working on a piece. Oh...wait a minute....it's not someone else....it's the real self under the surface.

Happy Caking Everyone!

Manhasset Women's Coalition Against Breast Cancer Silent Auction Cake

2011-10-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

This is a cake - Bohemian Chic - I created for the Manhasset Women's Coalition Against Breast Cancer for their fund raising dinner and Silent Auction held tonight at the Inn at New Hyde Park.

The flowers were fantasy peonies trimmed in gold highlight, ribbon flowers and feathers of hope for the cure and a pink ribbon for the cause.

The women of the coalition are such a hard working and dedicated group. I am honored to have just a little part in their fund raising efforts to wipe out this beast.
A beast that has taken so many of our sisters.

I pray for a cure in our lifetime.

Congratulations to the MWCABC for a fabulous job! This year they had 500 people attend this worthy function!

Halle's Sweet 16 Cake Vision

2011-09-27T11:15:00.001-07:00

Halle's Favors

It was such a pleasure consulting with Halle and her parents on Halle's vision for her Sweet 16 Cake and favors.

Halle's vision for her cake was to be artsy and out of the box. Loving animal prints we incorporated fantasy zebra and leopard prints into the bottom two tiers. Her third tier was a vision of polka dots...I took the dots and created arched dots. They don't look perse' like animal print....but somehow....the dots to me were a very abstract interpretation of a cheetah.
Halle's top tier represented her color scheme at her venue - The Douglaston Manor, in Douglaston, New York. We wanted to represent the colors as well as Halle's vision of something dreamy and artsy - almost VanGo-ish. Alright...maybe that was more me. The VanGo-ish tone. Her cupcake favors were royal blue chocolate disks with a silver fantasy daisy with a fantasy silver ribbon rose. I wanted to incorporate the two flower elements that were on the cake. The flowers on the cake were in magenta.
The topsy turvy cake Halle requested was made of red velvet cake as were her cupcake favors.

I have to say at this time that the staff at the Douglaston Manor - Daniel Miller (Maitr'd) and servers were absolutely wonderful. From the moment we arrived at the manor to the very last final detail I attended to on the cake - they were extremely helpful. It is service such as theirs that make a cake designer's life so much easier. Thanks guys!

So to our Sweet 16 young lady - Halle...I hope you had a fabulous time at your party. Wishing your Sweet 16 year be filled with all the best and that your dreams come true. To your mom and dad...even though I've only spoken to Halle for a couple of hours....I could tell she is a fantastic teen! Mom and Dad....you should be proud! May all your wishes for Halle come true.

Halle's Vision

Topsy Turvy Sweet 16 Cake at The Douglaston Manor in Douglaston, New York. September 23, 2011.

Two More of Some of My Favorite Cake Creations

2011-08-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

Marc Jacobs Purse and Shoe

Cartier Watch Groom's Cake

Was scrolling down my blog and found these two cakes I created. It was the Cartier Cake that was noticed by one of the producers at TLC, which prompted her to call me to audition for TLC's Ultimate Cake Off. Didn't get on that season, but then, Al Roker Productions called, and we were selected to film a special with Sylvia Weinstock on WE TV. An experience I will never forget!

The Marc Jacobs bag and shoe was for Yvonne, who celebrated her birthday at Seasons on Long Island. Looked pretty nice in their winter room with a fireplace as a backdrop.

Ok...enough reminiscing....on to new cake creations and to building out our new shoppe in Port Washington, New York! Yesssss people....we finally got our verbal approval for permits and are now lining up our contractors!

Christening Cake and a MacKenzie-Child's Inspired Birthday Cake

2011-08-04T10:28:00.001-07:00

What a sensational 2011 season we've had so far! Going through my blog I thought I'd just recap a couple of cake creations that were created for our amazing clients! There are so many more to view in older posts.

Not only did Sweet Alchemy by Amelia have the opportunity to create....but we were on two podcasts...The Andrew Zarian Show - Guys From Queens, where I muppetized out of cake, Andrew for his birthday and where Sofia baked some delish cupcakes.

To make the season even "sweeter" Sweet Alchemy was in a one hour television special "ICED WITH SYLVIA WEINSTOCK", which aired on May 29, 2011, on WE TV. During this special with the Empress of Cakes Sylvia Weinstock, Sofia and I competed for a coveted three day mentorship which we won! During the mentorship, we were asked to create and execute a wedding cake in just under 2 days, in a medium (buttercream) neither Sofia nor I were expert in...but learned very quickly!) for a bride whose reception was at Cipriani Wall Street! The antics and the drama were to die for! We're just hoping it reruns on "WE".

Who knew...that five years ago....after visiting my son Terry in London....and taking cake design classes at Squires International School of Cake Decorating, that I would be bitten by that "sweet bug" and leave teaching and social work to become a cake entrepreneur!

And so...on to new and exciting days in creating for happy events.

Cake Highlights

2011-08-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Baby Sophia Celebrates Her First Birthday at Roma View

2011-07-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

I can't begin to express how happy I was when Jennifer contacted me to create Sophia's first birthday cake. I'm always thrilled when I get a chance to create a cake. But this cake was especially special as it is the third cake I've done for Jennifer and James...the first cake for them being James' groom's cake. James related to me when they were cutting the cake that Jennifer had leaned over to him and said that when they became pregnant she wanted a cake from me. That was the most precious thing I had ever heard!

Well several months later, I received a phone call from James...a clandestine one at that....James wanted to secretly meet with me to order Jennifer's baby shower cake! We knew she loved ducks and gerber daisies and Coach bags....so we designed a Coach diaper bag, with all the goodies that go into a diaper bag and of course....a mama duck with her babies following AND yellow gerber daisies!

Now...here we are a year later, AND....another phone call. This time to order baby Sophia's 1st Birthday cake.

We set up an appointment at Jen's mom and dad's home. It was like a family reunion! And of course, our new addition....Sophia!!! What a happy happy baby! Always smiling! And Cuuuuuuuuuute as a button!!! Together we went through my albums, and then created little Sophia's cake. It originally was to be a 3 tiered cake...but I wanted to surprise them and made it into a 4 tiered cake. The flavors were chocolate blackout cake with cookies and cream filling and the remaining tiers....a moist vanilla cake with Italian Meringue filling with a "schmere" of apricot preserves gently accenting each layer within the tiers. mmmmmmmm!

Baby Sophia's favorite characters are Elmo and his pet fish Dorothy. So I hand-crafted each character out of gumpaste and placed them on the cakeboard to the side of Sophia's name ribbon.
The cupcake on top was made out of krispie treat, and white chocolate modeling plastique and decorated with white fondant and fondant appliques. The cake under the dome of the cupcake was a white sour cream cake.

I can't wait for pics of the party and the cake cutting to arrive. The minute they do, I will post them with a blurb of course!

Before I forget...I want to thank the serving staff at Roma View for their help in getting us set up. They were so very kind and sweet. Why one of the staff, I wish I had asked her name actually helped up maneuver the cake table so that there wasn't a glare from the waterfront. Which by the way is beautiful.

My best wishes to Jennifer and James and their baby girl Sophia. May all their dreams for their little one be fulfilled!

Newest Cakes

2011-07-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

Dont know what happened to the images. They are pretty tiny. But I did want to post them as they are so pretty. Pamela called several weeks ago to order these cakes for three birthdays, Neeta - 30, Lachmi 70 and Wellie 81.

These simple yet elegant cakes are both whimsical and classic. The orange diagnol cake with the lace piping was made for Neeta, and the red double banded cake for the two grandmothers.

Each tier was a different flavor, chocolate with strawberry preserves and chocolate brandy ganache, red velvet with a traditional cream cheese filling, yellow butter cake with fresh strawberries and cream, and moist white butter cake filled with pineapple and passion fruit Italian merringue buttercream.

When I arrived at their home in Richmond Hill I could hear exotic Indian music wafting down the driveway. It was hard for me not to start dancing. I so love Indian music. Then the music turned to modern Guianese. This promised to be a rockin party.

Hoping that everyone had a fabulous time. Many happy returns to the celebrants, Neeta, Lachmi and Wellie!

Andrew Zarian Show Appearance

2011-07-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Wow...who would have thought that this "little girl" from Hell's Kitchen would be doing what she's doing now. In the past year, I made an appearance with Sofia Demetriou on the Andrew Zarian Show - Podcast - Guys From Queens Network, where I created a muppetized Andrew for his birthday, filmed a special for Al Roker Productions - on WeTV - Iced With Sylvia Weinstock, where Sofia and I won a coveted 3 day apprenticeship with the Leonardo DaVinci of Cakes, Sylvia Weinstock, and then appeared again on the Andrew Zarian Show on Thursday, July 14th, where we shared with our viewers, the hilarious antics behind the scenes of "Iced". And in between, opened a shop and closed (not due to any fault of our own) and am in the process of re-opening in Port Washington.
Whew....that was a mouthful. Not to mention all of life's everyday events.
Growing up....one thinks of all the possible things one could be when they grow up. One of my dreams was to be a photographer/documentary film maker. Circumstances didn't allow for it to happen. But there was always an indescribable feeling...you know like the feelings you get when you want to do something....you feel like you're going to jump out of your skin.... you just can't
pinpoint what it is...yet you know it's a need to create something....anything? I guess this is where destiny pokes it head and sends you places where you never really think anything out of what you expect to happen....and bam...you're clear! You know exactly what it is you want to do....when you grow up. Well I'm all grown up now physically, on the other side of 50...yikes...and I am following my dream of having a custom cake shoppe....yes....the clarity was "create cakes", appearing on National Television and a Pod Cast! Hmmm...I wonder what else is on the media horizon.
Well...I am living the dream, and for now....this is where I will be....until that little girl inside of me starts wondering again....."What do I want to be when I grow up?"

Thank you Andrew and Jessica for having Sofia and I on your show! I know I for one had a blast...still thinking about those brownies you had. yummmmmm???????????

Buttercream vs Fondant - And the Controversy Continues

2011-06-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

I have to say...I've never heard so much controversy over buttercream vs. fondant as I have in the past couple of months since our television special "Iced With Sylvia Weinstock". Sylvia...I continue to bow to you. You are the Leonardo DaVinci and Queen Mother of Cake Decorating.

I'm sure this debate has been going on for years and I'm sure the arguments have been heated, but you know what they say...you're never really aware of some things until you are experiencing the events or witnessing up close and personally.

Nothing really beats a smooth, light and silky buttercream as far as taste is concerned, and if applied perfectly...I mean totally smooth....no pockmarks, no swirls...(not getting it perfect is enough to make a grown woman cry!) I mean ice smooth...buttercream is the way to go. It's natural - no preservatives - the real deal. And... if you happen to leave a pockmark behind or two...you can...indeed start all over or in a last ditch recovery...if aesthetically beautiful and part of your overall design concept... you can camouflage it with beautiful flowers, or elegant buttercream piping. Not that that should be your fallback. It should be as perfect as perfect can be...and it better taste amazing.

On the other hand...fondant...allows for that beautiful porcelain look that so many people like...including myself. And...fondant allows for easier manipulation, maneuvering and certain decorating elements you simply can not do with buttercream. (Believe me...after almost dropping the buttercream cake on the show, and creating an indentation on one of the tiers...(I forgot to put my center dowel in! Duh!!! I know!) Do you remember on one of the episodes of Cake Boss when Cousin Anthony dropped the Sweet Sixteen Cake down the stairs...and all of us decorators were screaming at the television...yes you know who you are....where is your center dowel!!! And we all thought it was a set up...Well...my dears....crap like that does happen on reality t.v. I know....You do forget when under pressure!)
But I digress...Back to buttercream and fondant.
Of course...in order to have a perfectly smooth fondant covering, you must have a smooth buttercream foundation. So it does pay to practice practice practice getting that foundation right. It doesn't have to be ice-smooth...after all... Buddy V. "dirty ices" and Toba Garrett spackles.... but they get it smooth, or you will get those dreaded bulges and bumps...Not a very attractive!!!

In order to keep it natural, the best way to go is to make your own. That way you are insured of a pure product. However, when you are in business, and are working pretty much alone, and you have several cakes to do per week and all of the customers are asking for rolled fondant icing, the pre-made commercial stuff is the way to go especially in the summer. And some of them do taste pretty good. I have my favorite. Each cake...needs a minimum of 1 1/2 pounds of fondant...and that's for a 6" cake....Can you imagine the time it would take to make say...7 pounds of fondant for a three tiered cake times three or four or more cakes? Yes...it would be ideal...but honey....if I wanted an upper arm workout I'd go to the gym. It's enough rolling out the stuff. (I don't have a sheeter!)

Each of the icing mediums requires a certain skill set. (Some of us are better at one or the other or the multi-talented...both.) The basic skill to attain is the proper application of buttercream. It is the mother of all skills to master. You might screw up a bit...God knows I have...and believe me...it's really humbling when you've done this on national television, but in the end...with perseverance...and patience, and a love and passion for what you are doing...your end product does come out pretty nice. (Well...at least that's what people tell me about my work.)

The same goes for when you are working with fondant. I've seen some pretty bad fondant jobs. Yah...I'm pretty critical now, (I go to events and affairs and the first thing I do is check out the cake!) after 5 years of paying my fondant dues! Kerry Vincent would come at you like no tomorrow too ! Even though I haven't reached her level yet, I hope to soon. (Remember what I said before? Practice Practice Practice?) You don't just slap fondant on a cake. I'll never forget the first time I worked with it when I went to cake decorating school in London. I was sooo nervous about it....and afraid of being embarrassed in front of the masters of cake decorating there. Seriously, these people were the big guns...the likes of Tombi Peck, Anne Skip, Alan Dunn, Maisee Parish, Debbie Brown were enough to make you wish you were born with a decorating certificate attached to your pinkie toe.) Yet...after the first fiasco, elephant skin....tearing....cracking....thick on one side...too thin on the other...jagged edges....I soon learned how to create a PERFECTLY smooth foundation for my decorating projects.

So, at this point...you're probably wondering...does she like decorating with buttercream icing over fondant icing? I will let you know after I've challenged myself to create the biggest most glorious cake of my career...I'm talking huge....at least 5 feet tall....in buttercream and gumpaste flowers and then one in fondant and gumpaste flowers. If you don't hear from me after I've completed this project...it means that I've collapsed in a corner of my workshop covered in....buttercream or fondant.

50th Wedding Anniversary Cupcake Tower

2011-06-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

I created this mini-cake tower for a 50th Anniversary celebration. The symbolism behind the cake was very interesting. The celebratory couple have three children all of whom live in different parts of the country...thus the butterflies...representing them. On either end of the mini-butterfly cakes, there were chocolate silhouettes of each of the grandchildren.

It was a sweet concept and I had a lovely time planning this tower of mini's with my client.

Congratulations!

Pink Hydrangea Christening Cake

2011-06-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

This lovely cake was for a christening held in May of this year. The pink hydrangeas were all completely handcrafted and placed on the cake to give the appearance of petals gently falling down the side of the cake. The piping you see on the bottom and top tiers was freehand.

I remember reading one of my favorite cake design books in a chapter that discussed piping.

I find that when in a very quiet room....and allowing oneself to get into the "zone" the piping flows freely.

I've tried several times to "copy" someone else's patterns...yet found it extremely difficult to do. But, when I gave myself permission to go with the flow...and to allow my imagination to go free...I was pleased with the work and the process.

This cake was a vanilla buttercake filled with fresh strawberries and strawberry puree and whipped cream. It was so hard not taking a slice out of it. Yummy.

Recent Cakes - Yanni's and Lambraki's Birthday Cakes

2011-06-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Here are Yanni's and Lambraki's Cupcake Towers for their birthday party held at Lucky Strike in New York City. Yanni wanted Super Why and we created a Candyland Cake for Lambraki. Yanni turned 4 and Lambraki turned 1.

There was a lot of pressure with the Super Why cake for Yanni. Why? You ask?

Because Yanni is a Super Why afficionado...There was absolutely no playing around with the image of this character! Either it is....or it isn't! So....to make absolutely - 100% sure it was....I created a 2-D representation of Super Why on sugar paper and tranferred it to pastillage.

On the other hand...Lambraki's was easier. I knew Candyland!!! But to make sure, I got the colors and the little marshmallow king right I went out and bought the game.

Nah....I bought it because I secretly wanted to play it!

Happy Birthday Yanni and Lambraki. Many many many more!

Happy Birthday to Theodora

2011-06-27T16:45:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to Theodora! May every day be filled with all that she wishes and more.

When I asked Theodora what kind of cake she would like for her birthday...the response was..."Whatever you can imagine." Now on the the one hand...this is a daunting feat, because now I had to think of what she might want....On the other hand....I loved the creative freedom she gave me. Being that Theodora is my daughter, I had a pretty good feel for what she might like! However, this time...I was a little stumped....but...not given to throwing up my hands in resignation and frustration....I started thumbing through cyberspace....and hit upon one of my favorite interior designers - Mackenzie-Childs. That's it!!! That's it!!! I'll borrow some of MacKenzie's design elements and incorporate them into a cake. What fun and oh so whimsical! So....after carefully looking through her site, I found a pillow...and off I went.

Her cake was a Chocolate Blackout Cake filled with a Classic American Buttercream. It was a nostalgic flavor combination, bringing one back to when we were in Kindergarten. Admit it people, how many of us "sophisticated" adults, with "sophisticated" palates secretly crave for the sweet cakes of our childhoods! Don't worry....Cakelady here won't tell.

Our Granddaughter Katie's Graduation Cake

2011-06-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

The pride one feels when one sees a grandchild graduating from elementary school is tremendous! Being able to share in their happiness as they reach each milestone in their lives is a blessing. As Katie moves towards her next stage in life in middle school, my only wish is that she enjoys every day, making new friends, keeping her old ones, and being the very best she can be.

Katie's cake is a reflection of who she is as a person. She is as bright as the sunflowers on her cake reaching for the sun, and as witty and whimiscal as the swirl of leaves beneath each bloom.

Katie's cake was a Blackout Chocolate Cake filled with Cookies and Cream and a Classic Yellow Cake, filled with an Orange/Lemon/Passion Fruit Italian Merengue Buttercream. Congratulations Katie!

First Anniversary Cake for Denise and Angelo

2011-06-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

It seems like just yesterday when Denise told me she was marrying Angelo, and here I am having made her first anniversary cake. Congratulations Denise and Angelo. May you always be happy and in love. Their cake was a classic moist yellow butter cake, filled with fresh sugared raspberry puree with a hint of Fragoli Liquer and a silky smooth Italian Merengue Buttercream.

First Communion Cake for Katerina

2011-05-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a lovely pic of Katerina who celebrated her First Communion at the Waterfront Crab House.
It was such a pleasure creating this cake for her and her family.

Katerina loves purples and lavenders and gerber daisies and loves to dance!

It's always wonderful meeting with the family to create a cake for their special celebrations. Meeting with families gives the cake designer a better insight as to how to go about creating something lovely and memorable.

We wanted to try out a new flavor and so we came up with a cinammon syrup infused yellow butter cake with Italian Merringue Buttercream, drizzled with caramel. Almost like a cinabon, but better! I think I'm going to keep this on my flavor menu!
The bottom two tiers were yellow butter cake, infused with a Framoise Simple Syrup, Fresh Strawberry Preserves, Italian Merringue Buttercream and topped with Fresh Sugared Strawberries. Okay...my sweet tooth is beginning to wake up.

Again...Congratulations to Katerina and to her beautiful family!

New Date for "Iced With Sylvia Weinstock"

2011-05-02T11:06:00.001-07:00

Hello all! Well, just received a heads up from our producer. The air date of our special with Sylvia Weinstock has been moved to May 29th, 2011. Airtime: 9pm EST on WE Tv.
So my dear lovelies...if you have already set your DVR's please do change the setting to May 29th!
Keep on checking out WETV.com for more updates, such as video clips and more about the show. Remember...the name of the show is "Iced With Sylvia Weinstock".

MAY 11TH IS COMING SOON!

2011-04-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

Set your television dvr's guys! May 11th..."Iced With Sylvia Weinstock"...will be airing then. Time slot hasn't been released yet. Just keep on checking WeTv's Website. Very excited! Will let everyone know as soon as I get an update.

Just Some Reflections

2011-04-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

It's been one month since we closed our door on Plandome. So many people have called however, to place orders, which we are accepting, as we located a commercial kitchen to operate out of while we wait....and wait......and wait.....and wait for permits to do the construction in our new place on Main Street in Port Washington.
But...it will be worth the wait, as now I have the time to really think out what it is I want to offer customers and to work closely with my architect Amalia Bournias, who is fabulous by the way on the vision I have for the shoppe.

For my friends and followers who may be dreaming of opening a shop one day, please, please, please take the right steps and do your due diligence prior to signing the lease. Do your research and proceed cautiously! You may be like me...Polyanna, and be a bit too trusting in human nature. Unfortunately, there are those out there who really do not have your best interest in mind and may, lie to you straightfaced or just simply omit the truth about their situations, causing you great inconvenience, a hell of a lot of money and stress and sleepless nights.
However, if your dream is one you don't want to give up, is a dream of sugarplums and fairies...just get back up and as the saying goes...brush yourself off....and move on! This is what I have chosen to do. I have had this dream for years and years...and will not let it evaporate into a mist, especially if the obstacles are caused by others and their struggles!

I know this sounds a little cliche my dear followers, and I for one don't like using cliches, however, how true so many of them are! I guess those who first said them, really had experiences to back up their words.

As a result of "closing one door and opening another", I am hoping that with the television special I will be in with Sofia..."Iced with Sylvia Weinstock", the new door will open opportunities to further blossom my dream of creating a magical world of cakes, cakelettes and cupcakes along with other "cake" related products.

It's a time to sit back and reflect and regroup and revise my business plan and thoughts, and create some new and wonderful cakelette recipes...and what is truly important to fulfilling my dream of being a shoppe owner.

Don't forget to watch WE TV on MAY 11th. ICED WITH SYLVIA WEINSTOCK! Check their website for time of airing!

To Answer Some Questions Regarding Our Move to Port Washington

2011-03-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Many of our fans and friends have been asking us why we moved from our location in Manhasset to Port Washington, just when we had only been open on Plandome Road since October 2010.
Well, I am going to try to answer your questions.
Property issues having absolutely nothing to do with our business or me, prevented us from being able to get all of our permits and to operate fully as a custom cake shoppe. We are saddened to have had to leave Plandome Road. We met so many lovely people there. Yet we are very excited about our new location, and hope that all those who came to us in Manhasset will follow us to Port!
We will be re-opening in the next couple of months at 142 Main Street, Port Washington, New York, (one block from the movie theatre) where we will be able to fully operate our business.
All orders placed prior to our move will be filled as promised. Please feel free to call me for any future orders or if you just want to chat! Here is my number: 917-887-6449.

Yours in Cakes,
Amelia

SWEET ALCHEMY BY AMELIA AND POTION CUPCAKES MOVING TO PORT WASHINGTON

2011-02-25T13:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

We have lovely news....Sweet Alchemy by Amelia and Potion Cupcakes are moving to Port Washington, New York.

Once construction is completed and we are up and running... hopefully soon, we will let you know!

In the meantime, while we are busy packing, and fullfilling present orders for February and March...we will be taking orders for April and onward.

It was a great run in Manhasset, we met oodles and oodles of wonderful people, and hope that wherever we go, our fabulous customers and friends will follow. We will have a lot more in store to offer...so keep posted on Sweet Alchemy's blog and Sweet Alchemy's Facebook page as time goes on for updates.

See you all in Port Washington!!!!

Amelia

Exciting Offerings At Sweet Alchemy by Amelia!

2011-01-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

Amelia of Sweet Alchemy by Amelia is very excited to be offering classes and new items for sale in her new shop in Manhasset!

A teacher at heart...I couldn't stay away from teaching for very long! It was 20 years afterall!

You can take the teacher out of the classroom but you can't take the classroom out of the teacher! Because of this, I decided to begin classes in cake decorating!

Here is a list of classes that will be offered beginning in March. Schedule of Classes will follow very shortly. We are working out the little kinks.

Newest Offerings at Sweet Alchemy

Greek Kourambiedes - $8.00 for 20 pieces

Greek Tiropetes Trays - Frozen for Home Baking - $.75 each - Tray of 6 - $4.50

Mini Cupcakes - $1.25 each with a minimum order 1 dozen

Mini Cakes - Specially decorated - $10 each - Minimum order 3 mini cakes.

Small cakes - 4" round - Specially decorated - $39.00

Please pre-order these items 3 days prior to delivery.

All orders are delivered free of charge on Long Island and Queens.

There is a $15.00 delivery charge for Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island and The Bronx.

For all other counties please inquire.

Now for the Classes!

Mommy and Me Classes

Children's Cake Decorating (Ages 5-7)

Children's Cake Decorating (Ages 8 - 10)

Children's Cake Decorating (Ages 11- 13)

Teen Classes

Adult Classes (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)

Tuition

Mommy and Me - $45 (2 hour class)

Series of 5 - $225

Children's and Teens Classes (2 hour class)

Series of 5 - $225

Adult Classes (2 1/2 hours class)

Series of 5 - $325

Materials fee Additional

(Details to Follow)

We will also be offering one day and two day workshops.

And

Private Lessons - Details to follow.

If there is a particular skill you would like to learn please do not hesitate to ask!

The classes will be very small in order to ensure the attention you deserve. Class sizes are limited to 5 students.

For full day workshops refreshments will be served.

I am looking forward to seeing you at my little shop on Plandome Road! We will have such a fun time learning and creating!

Sweet Alchemy by Amelia Has Arrived in Manhasset

2010-12-19T09:17:00.000-08:00

Ohhh...how precious. We just loved designing this Purpliscious cake for Anastasia's First Birthday!

This Centerpiece display was created for a Baby Shower held at Limani Restaurant in Roslyn, NY on Northern Blvd. Each cupcake was toped with a 3-D sculpture. Each table at the shower had their own cupcake centerpiece.

Head table centerpiece with a small cake on top of the baby block themed tower.

Indian themed wedding cake for a wedding held at Leonard's of Great Neck. The top tier was adorned with a replica of one of the bride's earrings.

Anastasia's Christening Cake. Christening reception was held at Morton's Steak House on Northern Blvd.

Front view of Anastasia's Cake.

This cake was created for Paul and Desiree for their wedding vow renewal and Christening for their daughter Sophia.

Ahhh...our Katie turned 11!!!!!

This cake was for Cleo. The mom of one of our brides. Happy Birthday Cleo!

25th Wedding Anniversary Cake.

Wedding Vow renewal cake for Lon and JoAnna on their 24th Anniversary. Their party was an Indian Fusion themed party. Elephants on top of cake were sculpted by Theodora.

Sam's Celebration of his new apartment in NYC. This was a biography cake commissioned by his dad Chuck. Best of Luck Sam in your new digs!

Our Costaki turned 8 this summer. What better way to celebrate but with a shark themed cake. The boys loved it! check out the Lego body parts. I think however Mr. Leggo Man will save the day!!!

This awesome cake was created by Theodora for Sweet Alchemy for Timothy who had his birthday at Top Gun Karate on Northern. He loves Toy Story and especially Buzz Light Year. How true to the toy is this cake!!!

Another sculpture created by Theodora. ELMO!!!!

Bridal Shower cupcakes. Simple yet elegant.

Motorcycle themed cake by Theodora of Sweet Alchemy.

Pinkalicious Cake and cupcakes. This is probably one of my favorites!

Again...Theodora our sculptress created this adorable Pinkalicious sculpture.

Pinkaliscious cupcakes to compliment main cake.

More pinkalicious cupcakes.

Yankee's themed cake.

Holy Crap!!! Tom turned 40!

Dora the Explorer cake for our friend Shara's daughter...Adrian.Happy Birthday Adrian.

For the Manhasset Mothers Group we created these chocolate cupcakes with their little birds logo for their season kickoff. We met quite a few of the moms that afternoon. Good Luck ladies for a successful year.

40th Birthday Cake. Our customer's hubby caught a huge ....we mean really huge black stripped bass this summer. You should have seen the pic! So, we created a cake to represent the catch for his 4oth Birthday.

Sponge Bob Square Pants!!!!! Sponge Bob Square Pants!!!! Sponge Bob!!!!

Nicholas' Christening Cake. This cake was designed by Sofia for Sweet Alchemy and executed by moi.

We Finally Did It!!!!

We finally did it! My dream come true...a little custom cake shop in Manhasset, New York.

It's almost two months now since we opened on October 30, 2010 and the response has been wonderful.

But...before I go on...I have to publicly say thank you thank you thank you to all of my family and friends for coming out to our opening celebration and for all of your support and well wishes. The opening would not have been as special as it was without all of you! Our little place still resonates with all of the laughter and smiles from that day! Again...from the bottom of my heart....Thank You!!!!!

Ever since we opened...I have spent nights here...literally...there were several evenings when I or Theodora and I spent the night on the sofa or chair! We even tossed a coin one night to see who gets the sofa! Exhausted you ask! Absolutely....but a good exhaustion! We did however, promise ourselves not to do this again. Unless of course we have to....like there is a tornado or a snow blizzard preventing us from going home. :)

Since opening we've catered to the Manhasset Women's Coalition Against Breast Cancer, the Manhasset Mother's Group, the Flower Hill Mother's Group, Shelter Rock's Sixth Grade Halloween Party, North Shore Nursery's Ladies Night Out...and oh so many fun birthday parties, showers and anniversaries and weddings and christenings.

We've expanded our menu of goodies to cupcakes to order. All we need is a couple of days for those. Soon to come will be frozen tiropetes and kourambiedes....Who wouldn't want such wonderful Greek delicasies as Greek tiropetes and kourambiedes? Just come in and place an order or call us - and we will be happy to make them for you and deliver to your front door!

We will also be giving classes in beginning fondant work starting in late January. Working on the curriculum as we speak.

Classes will be for Mommies and Me, Children: Ages 5 - 7, 8 - 10, 11- 13, teens and adults.

Just stay posted on this blog and my FB page for more info as it becomes available!

Newbie Cake Designer Theodora Rises to Occasion!

2010-07-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

New cake designer for Sweet Alchemy by Amelia, Theodora created this awesome Wubbzy in Space birthday cake for Yianni...who turned three just a couple of weeks ago.

Several months ago...I had been asked to create a Wubbzy cake for Dessie and Peter Anastasopoulos' son Yianni. I have been making all of Yianni's cakes since he was born...including his christening cake. So...of course I said "YES!" Not knowing, that I would be filming for a television show at the same time as Yianni's party. Yet..I couldn't disappoint Dessie and Yianni...so, I asked Theodora my daughter and creative consultant to create this cake. And create a cake she did in addition to making coordinating cupcakes! But not without some drama! Poor Daisy....on the way to the venue Space Odyssey in Englewood, New Jersey, suffered a head trauma...not once but twice! Yet!!!! She survived! Looks like Daisy put on her big girl bloomers and made it to the party in one piece. Thanks to Theodora's quick thinking and nimble hands.

Well...Theo....it looks like you have a permanent place at Sweet Alchemy!

Welcome aboard!

Ibiza in Manhasset

2010-06-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

A fabulous time was had by all at Nick's 40th Birthday Bash on Sunday, June 27th. Nick and Maria and their gorgeous children Katie, Melina and Costaki hosted the birthday party of the decade in their beautiful home.
Maria's vision of bringing Ibiza to Manhasset was brought to life with the decor and attention to detail in decorations adorning the tables, the music by International Sounds (DJ George) and wonderful catering staff from PAX Foods and entertainment for the children.
Friends and family gathered to help celebrate Nick's birthday with music and dancing and delicious food and of course cake. Can't have a birthday party without cake...a cake shaped to look like a vintage bottle of fine wine in a crate.

Cake by Amelia of Sweet Alchemy by Amelia. Bottle was made of Rice Krispie Treats. the case was made from a scrumptious Blackout Chocolate Cake filled with Cookies and Cream filling. The grapes were made of sugar! Fooled a lot of people!
It was so much fun creating this cake for Nick. Wishing him a Very Happy Birthday. As we say in Greek...Na ta ekatostisi!

Lena's Sweet Baby Shower Cake and Mini Cakes

2010-06-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

Lena's Baby Shower Cake

Lena's Baby Shower Cake and Mini Cakes
Memories of great times when our son's were playing high school and college football were brought back when Helene, Lena's mother in law and I were planning Lena's baby shower cake and mini cake favors.
You see Helene's son, John John and my son Terry played together for 8 years....and now....John John is going to be a dad and my son is getting married in August.
As we planned the design of the cakes and the beautiful tower display that my daughter Marilena created, we carried on as if it were yesterday when we were gettting ready to tailgate at one of our games at C.W.Post.
Together we laughed at memories of the antics our boys got into and tears of joy were shared as we talked about our families.
If you're wondering about the the flavors...well...hope you are sitting...or getting that virtual cup of coffee ready....it was a blackout chocolate cake with a light and airy italian merengue and nutella buttercream.
Delish!
My best wishes to Lena and John John. Can't wait to see the pics of baby when he/she comes.

Baby Einstein Cake and Cupcakes for Baby Bruce

2010-05-29T15:51:00.000-07:00

Ahhh! I remember the days of young motherhood and how exciting it was to plan baby's first birthday! If only I knew about fondant and gumpaste back then! Oh the cakes we would have created!
This cake was designed for Baby Bruce who turned 1 today. His birthday party was held at Connolly's in Maspeth, New York.

Baby Bruce's cake had the sock puppet characters of Dragon....."blaaaahhhhh!" I love this character....Tiger....Ducky and hiding behind the center tier....Moo Cow. On top of the cupcake is "Worm" or is it "Caterpillar?" Cake was a red velvet with cream cheese frosting and cupcakes were my famous blackout chocolate cupcakes and creamy American buttercream frosting.

Happy Happy Birthday Baby Bruce!

Our Newest Cakes for May and More to Come!

2010-05-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

Upcoming cake theme. Pretty yes???

Proud family of Emilia who celebrated her Sweet 16 at El Carib

in Brooklyn, New York.

The beautiful and sweet Emilia. Doesn't she look like a princess! It was such a pleasure sitting in Emilia's family's living room talking about cake and more cake and designing her custom couture Sweet 16 Cake.

Her venue was gorgeous. What a lucky young lady! Many happy returns Emilia!

Here is Jennifer's ...Coach diaper bag cake I created. Sweet Alchemy designed Jame's Starbuck's Coffee groom's cake for their wedding. They weren't into the reception more than three minutes when Jennifer told James that when they got pregnant she wanted only Sweet Alchemy to design her baby shower cake. Thank you Jen!!!! This is what it's all about...creating something to make people happy! Good Luck Jen and James!

Jennifer's shower was held at Caroselo in Howard Beach, New York.

And last but not least of this month's work is a classic Chanel Purse Cake created for Nickie who celebrated her birthday at Parkside Restaurant with her friends, in Corona, New York. Oooooh....how I love Chanel!

2010-04-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Amelia of Sweet Alchemy by Amelia

and

Sofia of Potion Cupcakes

are proud to announce their newly formed collaboration.

Together, Amelia and Sofia will bring to the fabulous world of cake, their talents in baking and custom design for their cake-aliscious customers.

Check out our websites for more information on our offerings in custom designed cakes, yummy cupcakes and cookies for all of your events.

For Potion Cupcakes: www.potioncupcakes.com

For Sweet Alchemy by Amelia: www.ameliascakesandfavors.com

Two Beautiful Cakes for Two Beautiful Brides to Be

2010-03-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

These cakes were both shower cakes for two lovely young women. The top cake, a three tiered chocolate black out cake filled with an Italian Buttercream infused with vanilla and almond flavorings was created for Aphrodite. Aphrodite loves flowers. So we created this romantic cake with a modern twist of pearlizing the pink fondant and scoring the fondant to create the image of threads wrapped around each tier. The flowers...a fantasy magnolia and hydrangea petals.

The second cake you see was a cake for our Vicky. Vicky's cake was a red velvet cake with a light and airy buttercream also infused with a vanilla and almond flavoring.

Vicky loves Chanel and so we created this classic pink clutch purse with a cascading Chanel Scarf ala Sweet Alchemy by Amelia with white flowers adorning the side of the cake.

The warm and inviting atmosphere at Vicky's shower was ever so special. I know...because I was there! Vicky and my children grew up together. It was indeed a very special day. We are all so happy to have shared in this beautiful day and look forward to her wedding in June to her fiance...Nick. They make a beautiful couple.

Congratulations to both our brides. Aphrodite and Vicky. Best Wishes to you both.

You will both make beautiful brides.

Mardi Gras Themed Sweet Sixteen for Ciara

2010-03-07T20:34:00.000-08:00

This lavendar and yellow Mardi Gras Sweet 16 Cake was created for a lovely young teen...Ciara who celebrated her special birthday yesterday in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York.

Cake was a fabulous chocolate cake filled with canolli cream and a vanilla beany cake filled with milk chocolate ganache.

The masks (top and bottom) were my visions of Venetian Mardi Gras masks. The lavendar theme was the perfect contrast for the deep dark and rich colors of the the Mardi Gras themed deco's at her venue.

Happy Birthday Ciara.

Sweet Valentine Cake for Gabriella's 1st Birthday

2010-02-14T08:41:00.000-08:00

Maryann, Gabriella, Benjamin and Francine.

I loved loved loved creating this cake for little Gabriella who celebrated her 1st birthday yesterday at Lenny's Clam Bar in Howard Beach.

The cake was a three tiered red velvet with cream cheese filling and Italian Merrengue Buttercream frosting under a buttercream flavored fondant.

The tier in the middle...the clear one was filled with heart shaped candies to be shared with guests.

Wishing Gabriella a Very Happy 1st Birthday.

Sportacus Comes to New York

2010-02-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

So...what does a cake designer do when asked to make a character cake of a character/s she doesn't know?
Why get to the nearest computer and start researching! Or....the very next best thing? Find a child who can tell you everything there is to know of cartoon characters....and go from there!
For those of us who are somewhat out of the "cartoon/animated t.v. show" loop, here is the low down.
Sportacus, as one can tell is a health nut who is into sports and good sportsmanship along with his side kick Stephanie who live in Lazy Town. Robbie Rotten, a handsome devil, you should see the real life actor who plays this devilishly delightful character, has a mission....to get Sportacus to each super rich and fattening foods. He even attempts to get Sportacus to eat .....CAKE! I like him just for that! lol
What was the result of all this research...why a cake of course. I'm thinking that Robbie Rotten would have a field day with the cake we created for a very lucky little boy just a while back.
Happy 2nd Birthday Benjamin!!!

Mini Cake Favors to Celebrate the Upcoming Arrival of Lilly Rose

2010-02-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

These precious mini cakes favors were created for Monica's Baby Shower. They will be naming their little girl Lilliana Rose. One of the mini cakes has a sugar lily and the other a sugar rose.
The mini cakes are part of a new line we have created at Amelia Cakes - sooned to be renamed Sweet Alchemy by Amelia.
Both Doris and Rose are the owners of DesignsByRoseInc.com. They are a florist located in Howard Beach.
Do link to them to see the wonderful creations they make with flowers.
www.designsbyroseinc.com.
We at Amelia Cakes and The Cupcake Experience by Thea are very proud to be linked with Designs by Rose Inc.

Katie and YiaYia Malia Enter Cake Competition at New York Cake Convention

2010-01-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

Winter Wonderland Wedding Cake....Advanced Division.

Katie and her Eloise at Christmastime entry - Youth Division - Ages 7 - 12.

Katie placed second.

Back view of Katie's Creation.

Katie on her way to the competition.

Katie at her work table.

As soon as this Cake Blogger/Cake Designer/YiaYia saw that the 2010 New York Cake Convention had a division for Youth, the first thing I did was call my daughter Maria to ask permission to enter Katie in the competition. Maria asked Katie....and I could hear the squeals of delight when she was asked. Needless to say...I knew that was a resounding YES! Katie quickly began sketching some ideas before she came to my house to start working on her Christmas themed cake project. During her sketching time at my place, we were watching Eloise At Christmastime on television. About a half hour into the movie, Katie stopped...took a look at me and said...."That's it!!! That's what I'm going to do!! I'm going to recreate a scene from that movie!"

Very long story short....Katie added the various elements of a scene she thought was hilarious to her sketch.

In a couple of days she came back to sit at my dining room table to begin work on her gumpaste/fondant pieces.

Initially they were a little flat...so she was instructed to give some dimension. She then started work on Eloise.

Katie found a people mold kit I had, and after asking how to use it, and my teaching her...then destroying what I had done, Katie started on Eloise.

At first poor Eloise's legs collapsed while Katie had stood her up to dry. Poor Eloise looked like she was the daughter of an elephant. She tried again...this time sticking skewers in her legs....but the arms were now flapping like a bird....no structure. So she immediately went to getting wire and performed surgery on Eloise's arms...Finally....Katie decided to stick a scewer up through Eloise's torso for extra insurance....The laughs we had when she was pushing that scewer up Eloise's behind! Ouch!

While Katie worked on her figures and ornaments, I prepared the cake and the icing.

This project looked like soooo much fun I wanted to work along side her. But couldn't because adults were not allowed to put their hands to the projects the kids were creating. It was the hardest thing to have to sit on my hands! I didn't have to worry though....as Katie pulled this off like a champion.

At the convention....I heard someone saying that they didn't believe a child had done this. Well...my dear...whoever you are....you can believe it! This is the work of a child who has been watching her YiaYia for 2 years now work on cakes, and has been doing the same alongside me.

For all who have aspiring sugar artists in their midst....all I can say...encourage them to experiment....encourage the young ones to open their young minds and to find their creative selves.

Will Katie grow up to become a professional cake designer....only the Universe knows....but for now....I am enjoying every minute of watching her grow and create!

By the way....Katie took SECOND PLACE in the Youth Division! You rock Katie!!!!!

As for Yiayia....no I didn't place. But it was such a wonderful first experience at such a convention. I met the most wonderful people...both young and older...experienced and novice! I have been bitten by the competition bug and will be competing in future events across the country.

I think one of best parts of this convention besides being with Katie was meeting such celebrated cake designers as Michelle Bommarito, Ashley Vicos, Christopher Russom and Marjorie Chu, Mary Moy H, Michelle Doll, and Alexandra Pellogrino, Pat Jacoby, and Ruth Rickey...all competitors on either TLC or Food Network.

They were all so generous in sharing of their knowledge in sugar art.

So back to the drawing board to prepare for my next competition. Oh by the way....both Melina and Costaki, Katie's siblings have been bitten too by the sugar bug....They both want to compete next year!!!! I can see the wheels turning in their young heads!

Vanilla Cake Recipe

2010-01-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

This delish recipe is from a book I acquired a couple of years ago...so I can't take credit for it. Rewrote it in my recipe file and have been using it exclusively for my vanilla cakes. It's moist and has the perfect density for sculpting too.
You can add flavors to it by adding a simple syrup.

When I remember which book this is from I'll let you all know.

Yields: Three 9 inch rounds
1 half sheet ( 13 x 18)
24 cup cakes

Ingredients:

2 cups (8oz) cake flour
1 3/4 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons (8oz) all purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 cup (2 sticks; 8oz) Unsalted Butter
3 cups (21 oz) granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Pure vanilla extract
1 cup (8oz; about 7 eggs) Egg Whites or pasteurized egg whites in liquid form
1 1/2 cups (12 oz.) milk

Proceedure:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush the bottoms and sides of pans with melted butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, all-purpose flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the butter and sugar and bet on medium speed until light and fluffy.
4. Add the salt and vanilla.
5. Set the mixer to low speed and gradually add the egg whites, scraping often.
6. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture in two batches, starting with the flour. Scrape down the bowl between each addition and beat until thoroughly combined. Set the mixer tomedium-high speed for about 20 seconds then stop and scrape the sides of the bowl.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans or muffin tins. For 9 inch cake pans, bake 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean; for hald-sheet pans, bake 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean' for cupcakes, bake 20 - 25 minutes, or until they spring back after being touched.
8. Allow the cake to cool for 20 minutes. Once the cake is cool, release it from its pan by running a metal spatula or knife along the sides of the pan. Flip the cake over onto another pan or cake board and peel away the layer of parchment.

To Make this into a Lemon Cake, add the zest and juice of two lemons to the batter.

Good Luck All.

Oh by the way...for amazing recipes...and fabulous tips for baking from scratch I Warren Brown of Cake Love has a fabulous book! "Cake Love".
Also, Margaret Braun in her "Cakewalk" has several delish recipes. I use her Blackout Chocolate Cake....It is toooooooo good!

Santa and Rudolf Taking a Break and Getting Reading for a Snowball Fight!

2009-12-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

This famous duo needed to take a break before they set off on their worldwind tour of the world delivering their gifts to all the good little boys and girls....but not before they had their annual snowball fight!

This cake was made for a group of good boys and girls in the 4th grade in Ms. Martinez' class at P.S. 166Q in Astoria, New York, for their Holiday Party. Their teacher called me and left a message that was "crazy"!!! Never had I heard such a reception! I've heard oohs and ahhs and squeals of delight on previous deliveries....but this was totally insane! I felt like a rock star! The screams of glee and excitement were unbelievable! Wow!!! Now I know how Duff must feel when he delivers to Fenway Park! This is tooo cool!

Wow! The world of cakes has totally become outrageous! Such a simple delight to have become such a sensation!

Oh! I keep on forgetting...the flavor of the cake...One of my most popular....Red Velvet with a Cream Cheese Frosting! Yummo!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND CUSTOMERS!

MAY 2010 BRING WITH IT MUCH JOY AND LOVE AND HEALTH AND PROSPERITY TO ALL!!!!

Grand Opening of Creekside Market Place in Windham, New York

2009-12-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

Mary and Lambros Flouras, the proud owners of the new Creekside Market Place in Windham, New York had their grand opening on December 19, 2009. To celeberate their long awaited dream come true, they asked me to create grand opening cupcakes for them.
Of course this cake designer couldn't leave it at that...so she (moi) created a cake to go with the cupcakes.
The cupcakes were designed like cherry pies and the main cake a simple yet elegant white cake with burnt orange whimsical roses, kissed with 24k gold dust.
Flavours...why Mary's favorite of course...Red Velvet and Cream Cheese Frosting.
Unfortunately, we were not able to attend due to the snow storm conditions that hit the Northeast. But we were there in spirit.
Mary promised to forward pictures of the opening. We're looking forward Mary!
The Creekside Market Place features gourmet delicasies as well as everyday staples. The warm environment and most hospitable owners make Creekside Market Place a must go to when you are in Windham, New York.
Here is wishing both Mary and Lambro great success in their new venture!
Can't wait to come up and sit in your enchanting shop by the creek with a cup of steaming coffee and great conversation!

My Newest Creation - The Angeliki

2009-12-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

Angeliki and her hubby with "The Angeliki". They celebrated
at Limani Restaurant on Long Island.

Here is Angeliki, her hubby and beautiful daughter at

"mommy's" 30th!

This cake was made for Angeliki who turned 30 just the other day and celebrated her special day with her family. Angeliki loves roses and diamonds and her family of course!

Because of this I created this simply elegant cake. The initial inspiration was from a Tiffany Box. But of course I couldn't leave it at that...thus... the ribbon roses and edible sugar diamonds.

I know...I know...everyone is asking....what about the cake flavors. Well my dears....my most favorite of all....Deep Dark Decadent Chocolate with a Semi-Sweet Chocolate Ganache and Raspberry filling. Yummo! I'm so glad I had some cake left over....Dessert for moi tomorrow night!

Happy 30th Angeliki!

Testimonial

Good Morning!

The cake was amazing, of course! The response was great, everyone was wowed! People in the restaurant were oohing and ahhing!! The chocolate was a great choice, it was delicious!!! I'm glad I went with it!! I am honored that this cake will be known as the Angeliki!! Love it! I have attached photos for your blog! Thanks again and I cannot wait for the next time I order one of your yummy masterpieces!!

Filakia,

Angeliki

I Love New York Groom's Caken at Jessica's and Giuseppe's Tribeca Rooftop Wedding

2009-11-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

When I asked Jessica what the theme was for Giussepe's groom's cake she said..."I want it to be all about him! He loves everything but everything about New York!"
Now I, being a native New Yorker, having been born in the Theatre District and living there for 22 years,
I was immediate enamoured with the theme. "Not to worry Jessica....I think I have an idea!"
Jessica gave me creative license to create a cake that would not only make her hubby-to-be happy but would surprise him at their wedding on the 29th of November at the Tribeca Rooftop.

After sketching the cake and making the deco's reflecting Joe's loves;

his being in the FDNY, loving the New York Knicks, going to Hunter, living

in Downtown Manhattan, cannoli's, Central Park and

can't forget Dunkin Donuts coffee, I called my

assistant....Lucy Ng to help put it together. We had

so much fun! The cake came together pretty quickly.

Well more quickly than had I worked on this alone.

Delivery day came...and surprisingly, our ride to

Tribeca wasn't fraught with tremendous traffic. Looked like

most people were still away for the Thanksgiving weekend!

When we arrived at the Rooftop, I was asked to put the cake in the

kitchen as it was a surprise for Joe.

Fun thing was that the Sushi Server's came in to watch me

put the final touches to the cake and to take pics!

Good thing I was wearing make-up!!! lol

Mission accomplished. Joe was surprised and Jessica was

happy.

Oh...the cake flavors....A moist white lemon cake

with a passion fruit wash, filled with lemon/coconut

Italian Merringue Buttercream! Yummmmmo!!!!

Juniper and Ivory Birthday Cake

2009-11-15T06:11:00.000-08:00

This cake was created for a birthday...although I do believe it would suit any other event just as well.
The movement of the sea was captured in an abstract placement of wavy rolls of fondant pressed flat to the cake with bubbles and wavy sea flowers and floating pearls. The base color of the decorations was a juniper green "pearlized" with luster dust.
Under all the fondant? A chocolate black out and white cake with cookies and cream filling. Fondant tasted pretty good as well! Thanks Laura and Lois for creating such a fab fondant to work with. Your best kept secret is going to make us all up our game a lot more!

Center Stage at "Four" in Melville!

2009-10-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

Okay...so I get a phone call from a gentleman asking for a cake for his wife's 40th birthday "surprise" celebration. Lucky lady to have such a husband. They're few and far between!

We made the appointment for a consultation. With him...he brought a picture of a Marc Jacobs Purse and Shoe. Right away...I loved the concept and with a tweak here and there, we came up with the color of the final product and what to put on the hardware to personalize the purse.
He decided on a white cake with Italian Merengue and Pineapple and Coconut filling...yummo!
Reminds me of a pina colada and my trip to the Bahamas!

The venue? Oh my goodness people! "Four" on Route 110. He told me there were four rooms, each one in the deco of a season. Ultra modern.I tried to envision the rooms but didn't get the full effect until I got there for the delivery. Totally amazing. I didn't want to leave. I'm not much for "modern" but this restaurant's decor was chic!!!! I plan on going back for dinner!

From the moment we walked in...My daughter Theodora and I were surrounded by the wait staff...then Josh....and then the chef came out....and several customers! We were asked if we were on Food Network! Wow...what a compliment! Is my head filling? Noooo! Just nice to hear and to see the reactions on people's faces. It's really cool making people happy.
Josh was so sweet (no pun intended) when he said..."We've had cakes in here before...but this cake is by far the best we've had at "Four!" (Thanks Josh!)

We were given a front and center table in front of a fireplace in the "Winter Room". My God...the effect was to die for! A red cake on a stark white tablecloth, in front of a modern stovepipe fireplace with snow white seating, uplit by a blue light emenating from each of the steps leading up to the cake! I felt like a star!

A special thanks to Chris L. for ordering the cake from me....and a Very Happy Birthday to Yvonne!

Casino Cake Anyone?

2009-10-20T13:08:00.001-07:00

Ring....Ring....

Ring....Ring....

Thea? Hi there! I need a cake! It's Peter's 31st birthday and we're celebrating at Carmine's on the Upper West Side...Can you make a cake for me?

Of course you know the answer is going to be yes!

So, we threw around a couple of ideas, and came up with Peter's Casino Cake! What fun! The cake design included a Roulette Wheel with a mobile white board that landed on 31, some playing cards, dice, a roulette playing board, 3 cherries representing a slot machine....Hearts, Spades and Clubs and lots of gold coins springing from the top and strewn all around the board....and the cake spun....Now how is that for extreme?

The cake was delish too!!!!

When my daughter Theodora who was at the party came home...she said that the cake made a big hit...The other diners,oohed and aahed and even one of the chefs came out and wanted to meet the designer! (Me!)

Alas I wasn't there....but how cool when the chefs want to meet the creator of a cake!

My five minutes of fame. Too cool!

To my nephew Peter! Happy 31st Birthday! Dessie! Na ton herese!

On a side note...you know a cake is super awesome when your 2 year old nephew starts screaming when the cake is taken away from the table and starts pointing to where it's placed saying....."Cake!!!! Cake!!!!"

Addition to English Baking Girls.Blog

2009-10-12T11:55:00.001-07:00

How could I forget Hufriz from India! Hufriz is a baking instructor at one of the colleges there!
Her work is beautiful as well!

English Baking Girls

2009-10-12T11:11:00.001-07:00

It all started in 2006, when I was studying cake design at Squire's International School of Cake Decorating in London.

There we were 10 women from across the world, England, Cyprus, Germany, Holland, Mexico, Turkey and the U.S. sitting a long table with aprons, cake tools, tea cloths and fondant waiting to for our famed instructor, one of five world renowned sugar artists we were to meet that week, to begin our class.

While waiting, we shyly introduced ourselves.

Little did we know...that such a strong bond would be created between us. A bond that has led us to creating our group...The English Baking Girls! (Even though we all weren't English!)

My wonderful and talented friends, Claudia (Germany), June (England), Zacharoula (Cyprus), Emine (Turkey) and Nikki (Holland) and me Amelia (United States), remained on-line friends and we are pretty much still going strong.

I went to Cyprus to visit Zac in 2007, where she opened her sugar design shop, Sugar Designs, in Cyprus. I stayed there for a week to help out. She told me she was getting ready for a photo shoot and would I mind designing a cake for her. Of course I exclaimed joyfully. So I sat in her state of the art kitchen behind her charming storefront studio in Limassol, Cyprus and created the above cake which was featured in "Saloni Gamou" in 2007! (I have so got to get a photographer to shoot all of my other cakes!)

I taught her mother-in-law a hrisohera (golden hands) to make some of the rosettes. She was a fast learner, and did a pretty nice job on some of the flowers you see.

I was sad to leave Cyprus and my wonderful new friend Zac and her lovely family. But am so happy, that we remained friends.

We all continue to share ideas and techniques. I hope to someday meet up with my Baking Girls again in the very near future.

Zac and Claudia and June...I wish I were coming to Birmingham to meet up with you this year.

Maybe next time around!

Asian Influence Cake

2009-10-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

I totally enamoured with the use of red and black and gold on cake! My gosh how it pops off the pics! I sound like I'm bragging...I'm sorry...but I simply can't keep my eyes off it!

The gold accent was done with 24K gold dust. So much better than regular luster dust. Just love the way the granules puddle into a liquid gold after adding a little vodka.

The twig you see with the flower blossoms was a heavy gauge wire coated with piping gel and very fine granulated sugar then painted with the gold dust.

Cool huh?

Having so much fun doing what I love.

Gotta go now....off to create a surprise cake for a very lucky young man for this weekend.

No....I'm not baking now!!! Just the sketch and the decorations. Baking is in a couple of day. We do pride ourselves in fresh, moist cakes!

Now How Did That Donkey Get on Top of Terry's and Mollie's Engagement Cake?

2009-10-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

...and so the time came for this cake designer to create a special cake for her son's and daughter-in-law's engagement.

What does a designer do? Well as in any special cake project, one thinks of the couple and what their passions are as well as who they are as a couple and what they embrace.

Mollie and Terry have embraced our Greek heritage and culture. So much so that they are going to be married in our village of St. George, Sikousis on the handsome island of Chios, next summer.

Because of this, I decided to recreate a typical, white stucco'd village kafeneo (tavern) built probably in the early 1900's...replete with the blue patched doors, slightly shifted door jams, hanging tomatoes, a clothes line with drying beach clothing, a little cafe table with feta cheese, olives, a loaf of bread and a bottle of "ouzo" and of course the typical donkey....which by the way was NOT on the roof at the start of the party! Somehow, he made it's way up to the water resevoir tank to get a drink! I also added a display of drying almonds.

When YiaYia Maria (Terry's grandmother) was still with us, she would gather all of the almonds from our almond groves and sun dry them on the roof. Our kids would go up there and watch her shell the almonds and spread them to dry. It was my way of having her with us.

As was the eyelet cut lace curtains in the window, which YiaYia Theodora always had in her NY windows.

The kids, our families and friends (who by the way came from all over the country to be with us....from, Oregon to Minnesota to DC to South Carolina and of course all over NY... had a blast at Laterna Restaurant, in Bayside, New York. We ate scrumptious food, and danced to great Greek music until we dropped. Even Grandpa John, on cane straight from dialysis danced. The joy we all had in seeing Mollie and Terry together filled the room.

As we say in Greek...Kala Stefana kai E Hora E Kali! (Literal translation...it loses ... but here goes..."To your crowns and to the Good Hour" Meaning I think...to your wedding!"

Is this mom designer doing their wedding cake? Well...I will be designing it but as for the execution of it....on the Island....is a little hard. But I will be scouting for a bakery that can come through for us! Any ideas anyone?

We were made Cake of the Month by Fondarific!

2009-09-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

Newly Formed Collaboration with French Pastry Chef Phillipe Fallait

2009-09-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to announce the newly formed collaboration with French Pastry Chef/Owner Phillipe Fallait of Cafe Triskell.

Chef Phillipe is from Brittany, France, where he also studied the fine art of French Pastry.

He is formerly of the world famous NYC restaurant, Jean George, and has opened for another world class restaurant, in NYC.

Chef Phillipe owns Cafe Triskell where he serves traditional French crepes. His food has attracted the attention of many locals as well as people from his hometown of Brittany. "When they are happy, that makes you feel good. That means you're doing the right thing!"

Right on Chef....I feel the same way when my customers tell me they are happy with the creations I have made for them.

Chef Phillipe's sinfully delicious flavors combined with my creations will debute in two weeks. Stay tuned for the reviews and pics!

2009-09-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

2009-09-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Cake Cake and More Cake!

2009-09-21T13:34:00.001-07:00

The above cakes were made for my granddaughter Katie and for my greatniece Penelope.
Katie's cake was a chocolate cake with raspberry buttercream.
Penelope's cupcake themed cake was a chocolate cake with cookies and cream filling.

Lego's Anyone?

2009-09-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

What does a Yiayia who designs cakes make for her grandson?

Well...first things first...she asks him what he would like for his

birthday cake!

Costaki loves Legos. And so...we created this cake for him.

There were three blocks of cake. After covering each one, I thought

I would remember what the flavors were....Not! We had to cut into

each one.

The cakes were made of a moist white cake filled with...

Bavarian Cream (Cake #1), Bavarian Cream and Cherries (Cake #2) and

Pineapple/Coconut for Cake #3!

We all had a lovely time.

Happy 7th Birthday Costaki! Many many many more!

Cartier Watch Groom's Cake

2009-09-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love, love, love creating unsual cakes for "sweet"

people! No pun intended.

This Cartier watch nestled in a cake watch box was created

as a groom's cake.

Vickie S. called me several weeks ago asking if I could

design a groom's cake for her soon to be hubby Angelo Z.

for their wedding day. Vickie explained that she had purchased

a Cartier for her new husband and wanted to present it

to him at their wedding. But first, she was going to have the

cake brought out to Angelo during the reception and then

give him the watch. It was all hush hush! Just love these

scenarios.

Well...Vickie, I'm hoping that Angelo was surprised!

It was so much fun creating this for you!

May you and Angelo have many many many

happy and in love years together!

Under Wraps

2009-09-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since my last "blogging". Just last night actually early this morning...3:30 to be exact, I finished my grandson's special "Lego's" cake. What started out as three simple, blocks of cake covered in the primary colors...red....yellow and blue....Turned out to have more details than I expected.

I was inspired by the simplicity of one of my cake sisters in Michigan and a cake brother in Washington....and was going to make the cake just like theirs...just altering the colors....but I couldn't do it! I couldn't bite off them! After the cake was completed...or so I thought...the blocks of cake in place, with the signature Lego interlocking pieces safely nestled on top of each block....I was ready to move on to my Cartier watch creation....and stopped. The cake screamed at me...you have to add your touch to this...this isn't who you are as a decorator of cakes. And soooooo.....one by one by one....I added little fondant Lego blocks as borders. Done. I thought! It needed more.

Yikes Amelia you're probably thinking....come on now...less is more! Yah...I agree in some cases.
But this cake still lacked that one thing that said .... Amelia Cakes. I closed my eyes....and called forth that little cake designer living inside my soul and let it do the work.

It's kind of scary letting go like that. And I try to stop it...but it simply takes over. Thank God for that. Because....when it's done...the hands stop...and not one more piece of fondant is rolled...pinched....cut...or piped!

Well....Lego Cake for Costa my youngest grandchild is complete and under wraps. Sitting safely in a very airconditioned room....waiting for delivery to his party!
Oh...flavors!!!! Cake #1...Vanilla Cake filled with a scrumptious pineapple/coconut filling,
Cake #2...Vanilla Cake filled with Bavarian Creme and Cherries, Cake #3...Vanilla Cake filled filled a creamy Vanilla Bavarian Cream. YUMMO!
It's still under wrap....
Until the unveiling tomorrow!
Now onto my Cartier watch cake.

2009-09-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Look on Athan's and Angeliki's Faces Were Priceless!

2009-09-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

Delivery of Captain Hook and Peter Pan meet Ariel and Melody is finally complete. We delivered to two beautiful children, nieces of Helen Skarla of Astoria Dance Studio for their 2nd and 4th birthdays respectively.
The unveiling was much anticipated. Both Athan and Angeliki and family stood around the shiny round kitchen table, where I have delivered and unveiled cakes before...and after each unwrapping of the saran film which was tenderly protecting their cake, their eyes got wider and wider with whispers of ooohs and then ahhs.

When the final piece of clear wrap was removed, the children's eyes were as big as saucers.
Matina their mom said she never saw Athan sit quietly for so long!
Each figure was taken in one by one. Each wave and coral pearl admired. The light brown sugar on the cake board very closely resembling a sandy beach was tasted. The pearl shells around the base were brought to the attention of the children. Angeliki, wanted to help put on the swirly waves. She wanted to taste the cake...and began poking her little finger at the fondant. We had to tell her to be patient and that at her party she will be able to eat as much as she wanted. But she had to taste something...so she picked a bit of the brown sugar.....mmmmmm. Then Athan followed suit. Mom had to contain our little cake lovers. ... or in this case sugar lovers.

We finally got the last swirly wave on. I took several photos of the children and their very special cake. I turned around for a second....and when I turned back...there was Angeliki full upper torso on the table....licking one of the waves! Absolutely...toooo cute. I couldn't pull my camera out fast enough to capture that moment!

I have had this experience with several of my wonderful clients. From brides to be, mother's to be, grooms, brides to birthday celebrants. Some more expressive than others, but wonderfully expressive nevertheless. Yet, I always get a kick out of creating for the Skarla family. And such a creative and beautiful family they are, from prima ballerina's to modern dancers and gymnasts.
Helen's daughter is an Olympic medalist for whom I created a cake for the anniversary of her winning her Bronze. It was a podium cake with the Olympic Rings, a Greek flag draped over the side and the rings and ribbons with which she won!

This my friends is what it's all about. Yes, it is the creative process, but it is more, it is the knowing that you have made someone very happy...especially a child. I suppose it is the archetype nurturer in me that prods me to continue what I am doing.

And now on to my next cake journey....the creation of a cake which is going to be a surprise for a groom....and so I really can't tell you (sworn to secrecy) what it is for whom just yet, and a cake for my darling grandson Costaki who turned 7 this summer and for whom I am making a Leggo's themed cake. (Which by the way we designed together while sitting on the balcony in his grandparent's home in Dafnona, Chios, Greece. Very simple...but oh so Costaki. This Yiayia can't wait to get to it.
So with apron on and baseball cap atop of my head....off I go to my little kitchen to begin "caking" yet once again.

....and the cake journey continues.

Melding Captain Hook, Peter Pan, Melody and Ariel

2009-09-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday afternoon, and I've just finished putting the canvas onto a two tiered wonky cake for two beautiful siblings, Athan and Angelina. This year they want Captain Hook with Peter Pan for Athan and Ariel with Melody for Angelina.
I must be totally out of the loop...I had to look up "Melody". After a google search found that she is a relative of Ariel. Some say she's Ariel's daughter...others say she's Ariel's sister. Now which is it! I know that Ariel and the Prince were in a relationship...did they get married in one of the movies? Did they have Melody together?
Anyway...the figures are ready...the canvas is ready...and this cake designer is about to pull it all together...How? Well once I get to the blank cake before me I'll know exactly where I will be headed.
Now don't get me wrong...I always sketch something before I execute...but always allow myself artistic license and go with what the cake dictates. It's such a high feeling seeing something come together after days of preparation.
Well...off I go to play with some fondant and Tylose C and food coloring.
For my friends unfamiliar with Tylose C...its the powder cake decorators use to firm up fondant when we make figures and decorations. Most times the fondant is much too soft for such work so a little dash or so of Tylose give a workable consistency. It's great when you've run out of gumpaste or want to put some decorations flat to the surface of your cake and don't want the awful tasting gumpaste ruining the flavor of your cake.
Ciao for now...I hear Peter Pan and Ariel calling my name!

The Cake Journey Begins

2009-08-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have finally done it. I pushed my fears aside and decided to put myself out there and create a blog....a cake blog.

After reading "Let Me Eat Cake" and "Julie and Julia" I was inspired to push myself to do this.

I have to confess...I have a passion...a passion to create. For many years I had been searching for a creative outlet. And every avenue I took always lead me to something in food.

After a short but very eventful trip to London about three years ago, while visiting my son who was working there...I thought I'd take a week long course with the masters in Cake Design at Squire's International School of Cake Decorating in Farnham, England....a quaint village about 45 minutes from London.

There I met the most interesting and glorious people...all there with the same mindset...to create. I'm still friends with several of our "Baking Girls" from across the globe. We still share stories and ideas. More on that later on.

Back to Squire's and me. Well...I took a liking to this new craft. I had seen a show then..The Ace of Cakes, and thought...hmmmm...I might be able to create something like Duff's cakes...and it might be fun! But...I didn't have the skill base. Thus the trip to Squires to get my first taste of fondant skills. After a week with the brilliant...Maise Parrish, Alan Dunn, Ann Skipp, Tombi Peck, and Paddi Clark and then ....the icing on the cake....Debbie Brown....I was hooked....hook, line and sinker. There was no going back! I had to get more.

With fondant rollers and sculpting tools and new sugar paste flowers packed safely away in my Vera Bradley suitcase, saying ciao to my son for now, I hopped back onto my Virgin Atlantic flight back to New York, plopped my suitcase in my hallway...went straight to the phone and signed up with The French Culinary Institute in NYC for another weeklong class in Cake Decorating. Chef Cynthia Peithman of Cakeline was my chef instructor. I learned so much...but craved more cake....So....you guessed it...after several months of practicing all of my new skills, and several trash bags filled with "not so perfect" cakes...You will get to know...that I am a perfectionist....won't let anything out of my kitchen that isn't perfect....I began creating cakes for my grandchildren. Ah...the ooohs and the ahhhs I received warmed this yiayia's (Greek for grandma) heart. They were smitten with the cakes....I absorbed their approval and smiling faces.

One cake led to another and another cake class with the brilliant Colette Peter's and then back to London for......another Master Class....and now my little business.....Amelia Cakes!

So here I am...blogging about cake. Don't know where this will lead me...but I'm willing to make the journey.