Baking Fun with Little Friends

These are some new friends of mine that are learning to bake.

I was more than happy to play "teacher" for a few days.

They chose the recipes and designs and we went from there.

It just happened to be near the time of their birthdays so

the projects became even more special since they would

be sharing their finished work with their family. 

On Vinh's day of baking, he picked a Lego skier going down
a snowy mountain with lots of white chocolate trees.

And a snowman.

He dubbed his theme, "Christmas in July."

His favorite colors are orange and green. Can you tell?

The next baking stint was a two day event so that the

gum paste bow loops and flowers would have time to dry.

Day One was all baking, simple syrup and gum paste.

They also drew up a sketch of what they hoped to build

and color coded it. Best to have a plan we've learned.

Less surprises that way.

 Loops and a dusted practice flower.

 The real deal before dusting.

 All lined up and ready to color.

Lots of spirals in this design!

Simple syrup applied with love.

While we were chatting away and baking I learned that
it was Grandma's birthday as well. Hold the phone. 

Time to throw in another batch of batter.

She always shares a cake with her granddaughter.

Not this year!

Grandma doesn't like sweet cakes

(which in my personal opinion should be a criminal offense,
punishable by chocolate consumption)

so we tried baking her an angel food cake.
SOMEONE (me, oops!) thought they turned the
oven down but actually turned it off instead.

 So even after lots of tapping . . .

. . . and gentle coaching,

the cake never came out of its dark shameful hiding

place until it was dug out hours later. What a stuck-on mess!

Since we ran out of time and I WAS the guilty party,

I baked a  replacement (not angel food this time!)

so we'd be all set for the next round of fun.

Day Two: dust the flowers. Crumb coat and ice the cakes.
Color the fondant and make the ribbons.

We let the ribbons set a bit to firm up.

And then the finishing touches.

Little pink pearls at the ends of each extruded fondant
strand applied with little hands and tweezers.
Holding your breath may or may not help.

Pretty yellow sparkles to match the plate. 

A very special gift for Grandma.

Baked with love.

And a special cake for Priscilla!

Great job for beginners, wouldn't you say?