American Baker in Germany

 This cake was one that has been on my list for a long time. But I had to wait until someone ordered one because it would be a great waste of cake if I made it just for me. So, this cake is an order for a farewell cake for a young woman we know who is going off to college.  I made two ten-inch square vegan chocolate cakes. Each one was trimmed to a smaller rectangle. Then I frosted it with vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream. And I placed a strip of white fondant on three sides of the smaller edges. Then, while allowing this cake to set up, I started the smaller cake. I placed it on an old cutting board and frosted it on it. And added a strip of white fondant around three sides of the book. Then, while allowing that to set up, I covered the book cake with green fondant for the cover and I added a thin strip to the bottom of the cake to make the bottom cover. I added the top cover to the smaller book. Then, using small spatulas, picked up the small book and placed it on top of t...

 This was an order for a farewell cake for a missionary. I started out with a 9-inch round vanilla cake filled and frosted with chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream. I had also made a 6-inch square cake that I trimmed to be about the shape and size of a book. And I frosted it on a piece of cardboard. And I added a strip of white fondant around three sides of the book. And I added a top cover of blue fondant. Then I added the round cake with white fondant. I placed the book cake on top of the cake and added a bottom cover. I wrapped a white collar around the cake and the shape of a green tie. I added the title of the book, Das Buch Mormon. Then I cut out a black rectangle. And I used these cookie letters with this press to put the letters into the badge. Only to completely mess up the name by placing it backwards. So, one more time.... And I finally got it right. I painted in the letters with white food coloring and paint the name of the church with the same white food coloring. I r...

This cake came about because about a year ago I promised my girls' pediatrician that I would make them a cake when they came near retirement, since both the receptionist and the doctor were close to retirement. Then, we found a nice, new apartment and decided to move. I just didn't feel good about leaving without making a cake for my daughters' pediatrician. She had always been wonderful and great with the kids. The receptionist had literally been working there for decades and had helped countless children and parents, including myself. So, even though I should have been packing, I decided to take some time and just make them a cake. Since I had free reign in the question of cake flavor, I made my favorite vegan chocolate cake and vanilla American buttercream. It was a bit crumbly because it was made the same day and hadn't been chilled. I frosted the cake. I was originally going to make this a buttercream cake, but I got to this point and realized that I would have to ...