Birthday Surprise!

Today I turn the uneventful age of 29. I've always loved having a birthday in October because it lends itself to doing something that involves the outdoors and this gorgeous fall weather. This year I was feeling a little un-inspired, so I decided not to do anything special for my birthday (I figured eating a pint of coffee ice cream and watching Boardwalk Empire would do the trick). My husband, however, decided to throw me a surprise get together last Sunday in beautiful Riverside Park. Although it was a great idea, the secret was quickly exposed when Tom realized he needed my help (food) for the party. I kept it simple by making some dips and my friends all chipped in by bringing candy and drinks! I also made this apple tart with cheddar cheese crust with the remaining apples I stole picked fair-and-square from a recent apple picking trip.

This small get together was perfect, even down to the ice cream cone piñata! Little did I know that Tom really did have a surprise planned for me—making the most amazing KitchenAid Mixer cake ever! I knew he wanted to make me an extreme cake, but the mixer idea was a total surprise. I'm truly amazed at this cake (video below). I guess all those nights of me making cakes really has taught him a thing or two! One thing's for sure....I'm a pretty lucky gal. Thank you to my amazing hubby and here's to an eventful 29th year!

Heres a video my friend Jeff took of me vs. the piñata. I may lose this fight, but I got the candy in the long run!

Now, to the cake! Here's a look at Tom's process and the amazing result. 

Once I figured out that Tom was making me a mixer, I had to document the making of this amazing cake!

Everything's coming up roses (and they're edible too!)

For the past month and a half, I have been working on an incredible cake commission for Macy's Annual Flower Show. This year's theme is "Towers of Flowers" and the show officially opened on March 27th. I created 5 "cake towers" for the Herald Square Flagship store windows on 35th and Broadway. Needless to say, this project was full of late nights and over 100 lbs. of fondant and royal icing. Now that I can take a minute to step back and take a glimpse into the windows, I couldn't be happier with the results! When I conceptualized the cakes, my immediate thoughts jumped to a more whimsical and playful take on the "towers". The resulting 5 cake sculptures are loosely based on fairy tales, including the Princess and the Pea, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk. I am so honored to have been given the opportunity to showcase my work and flex those confectionery muscles. The two-and-a-half feet tall dummy cakes will be in the Macy's windows until April 10th, so if you are in the Big Apple, come check 'em out and don't miss the amazing flowers showcased throughout the entire store! Here's a sneak peek...

Step 1. Many, many, many hours of getting my cake craft on...

Step 2: Box up the cakes and deliver them to Macy's at midnight.. 

Never underestimate how amazing it is to stand in a department store after hours. 

I think I made one-to-many references to the movie Mannequin. I also decided itwas a good idea to try and fit into the window. (Note to self: don't try that again).

The experts spend several long nights installing the gorgeous flower gardens. 

Here's a time lapse glimpse of it all going up.

Step 3: Time for the Grand Opening!

Step 4: Take a look at the finished work! You can see that the creatives at Macy's literally covered the walls with flowers from floor to ceiling!

This windmill "tower" could be my favorite. The blades actually move! 

My husband found a small motor that I was able to build into the sculpture.

For any of you who doubt the possibility of a rotating sugar windmill blade, 

here's the proof! 

Last Step: Buy myself something nice at Macy's and take a very long nap!

Eloise!

Recently, I was lucky enough to make a baby shower cake based on the adorably adventurous Eloise. Eloise at the Plaza was one of my favorites when I was a little girl, so I hope this cake awoke some childhood nostalgia in the women attending the shower. Looking back at these books, I realized how incredible Hilary Knight's illustrations are. I wish I could have translated more of her illustrative style into the cake, but I still love the way it came out.


I also created mini dark chocolate covered pretzel gift bags for the attendants! I think I ate at least half of the first batch I made. Luckily, my wonderful friend Marney helped me perfect these tasty treats. If you don't want to bother with tempering the chocolate, just melt the chocolate in a double boiler and add a tablespoon of shortening to every 12 ounces of chocolate (It makes for a smooth and shiny coat!)

Seton Rossini's Food Network Challenge Redemption Video!

Click here for Cake Redemption Video!

A Slice of Nostalgia

When we were younger, my brothers, sister and I were lucky enough to have Marimekko’s Bo Boo bedding. I absolutely love Marimekko designs and they actually inspire many of my cake designs! My mother is a big fan of hand-me-downs (she, being one of 16, myself being one of 5) and my twin nephews now use the Bo Boo bedding. For their second birthday, I decided to mimic the design in the cake. This design is timeless and if you had these sheets, you will feel a sense of nostalgia too!




I made this cake for the party guests and a small dairy-free banana cake for the boys.