New Digs (Kind Of)

So yesterday's test run was pretty successful, if only because I figured out what not to do for Sunday's cake. I made a spice cake from scratch. For some reason, I could taste the shortening even after it was done, so I wasn't crazy about it. Also, I ran out of ginger a few days ago when making a stir-fry so my cake was ginger-less. I thought it wouldn't matter but every time I think that, I realize after the fact how precisely you need to follow the recipe with baking. I think I'm going to do a white cake or carrot cake on Sunday.

As you can see in the background, I also made a casserole the other night. I've been a little casserole obsessed since I'm trying to use various things that have been sitting in our cabinets for ages. Some are successful like this one (beef sauteed in taco seasoning and stewed tomatoes, refried black beans and homemade mac & cheese on top) and others are... not so much (the beef, frozen veggies and macaroni one was so bland).

The cake turned out alright but broke as I was taking it out of the pan. I greased it really well so I'm not sure what happened.

I made a fondant glaze from Candy Melts and whipping cream (which, as an aside, is different than whipped cream... Matt, I'm talking to you).

I think it would have worked better if (1) the cake wasn't as dark as this spice cake was, (2) the cake didn't break on its way out of the pan, (3) the glaze was applied in layers, allowing each layer to cool before applying the next one, and (4) the glaze itself was darker. Because there are so many things that I'd have to tweak for the real deal, I'm going to play it safe and use a buttercream icing. I'll tinker with the fondant glaze the next time I'm making an inconsequential cake.

My Mom got me a cake decorating set so I just started playing around with the tips. That's what she said!

Matt wanted to know where Jesus was. Well here he is, smiling on the cross. I know crucifixion isn't smile inducing but on my cake he's chilling out like he's on a pool float. I know, I know- he doesn't need a pool float like the rest of us; he can walk on water. Good thing the priest doesn't have my blog address or they'd probably ban us from the church on Sunday.

Giving the Bumbo another go.

Close up of the black lilies. I think they're going to look really great in white, with the yellow stamen inside. The leaves will also be various shades of green instead of black.

Party City had these Wilton spray paint cans of cake dye and I couldn't resist. The result is actually really cool. You can make the color as light or dark as you want and it gives the icing a cool sheen. I think I'll try it on the cupcakes for Sunday since the cross cake isn't actually big enough to feed all 25 of us.

I'm really into irreverent cross-stitch but it turns out I'm into irreverent cakes too! I really loved the black lilies and pink/purple cake. It looked so punk rock and strange.

I love these PJs! I can't remember who gave them to us but my money is on Grandma Judy or cousin Elaine.

Lily, this morning, rocking an outfit from our family friends Mike and Linda.

She wasn't her usual bubbly self this morning. She was HUNGRY and then wanted to go back to sleep right away. She and Dad are still lost in their respective slumbers so I'm going to get in the shower while I can. Then Lily and I are headed downtown to meet Andrea and Jessica C. for lunch. I also need to find a christening gown or Lily will be baptized in a white onesie. Between Macy's, Nordstrom and Bloomie's, I'm hoping I find something nice and not too spendy.