Sunday, July 26, 2009

A cold and broken Hallelujah!

I love to bake...I truly do. The joy of getting to see someone delighting in the food I've made is like angels singing in my soul. I live for that sound.
In this life and the beyond, I've made quite a few cakes. Lemon filled, apple tarty, rum soaked, you name it! I've made it or will attempt to make it. Even the ever so simple, plain white/yellow cake with buttercream frosting.

Buttercream frosting...my mortal enemy. "Mortal enemy", you say. Yes, Le Buttercream, my enemy and my best friend.

This week has been hectic. I've baked a few orders for a party, some friends and even made some cakes to sample at a wedding expo I exhibited at. All these occurring on rather warm & balmy days. Ahhh...the joy of summer, the demise of my perfectly lovely buttercream.

The princess cupcakes I made for a birthday party were left outside in the sun by a multi-tasking mom who returned to see a future decline of her princess themed extravaganza with individual candles lit bright. A foolish woman I know, but a clear example of the relationship that butter cream and I have. She bails on you when the heat gets turned up!

But alas, I love her! She is the sweet epitome of delight that will forever make my heart sing when I look at a beautiful cupcake, fantastically decorated wedding cake or an oh so pretty, lemon meringue buttercream. She has won a few battles, but I've conquered and won the war! Hence, the delight with which my apple cake was received at the wedding expo.

In fact, quite a few asked what the secret was to my frosting. A secret I'll not tell. So to you my lovely buttercream, I say through the words of the poetic Leonard Cohen, "I've seen your flag on the marble arch, Love is not a victory march, It's a cold and broken Hallelujah!" Yes buttercream, you're the best I've ever seen on a dessert.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Ritzy Sweet & Saucy- Featured Vendor on BridalTweet!!

I'm soo excited! In the last couple weeks, I joined a wedding directory group called BridalTweet to help get our cakes noticed and I've loved my experience using the site, as I've been networking with a lot of new vendors in my geographical area.
As you know, networking in this business is key! A past bride will reccommend you to her newly engaged friend or a fellow soccer mom will recommend you to her PTA group. Often, it's the florist, event planner or the photographer, who'll recommend you to a bride.

Well, today I checked my email as usual and got the pleasure to encounter this good news from Christine Dyer, the creator of BridalTweet, "Congratulations! You are one of this week's Featured Members. You are now featured first within our community AND you appear on the right side of each page. Thank you and have a wonderful week." Here's the page. Have a look!

How exciting! To be featured or recognized, no matter how big or small is a gift. I cannot wait to see my cakes in glossy magazine pages!! Celebrate with me, have a cookie or two!

Breaking out the Moscato,
Syreeta

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Ritzy's Red, White and Blue Fruit salad

I've always been partial to fresh fruits. I'm not sure if it's a product of being raised in Jamaica or quite simply just a natural preference of my own. My favorite desserts to make and eat often involve fresh fruit. You can't go wrong with a good fruit salad as the summer rolls along. Here's my really popular version done in particular shades of red, white and blue. Happy Birthday America!

Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad

1 pint strawberries
1 pint raspberries
1 pint blueberries
2 small pears (cubed)
1/4 cup of sugar

2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream


In a large bowl, combine the berries, pears and sugar. Careful not to stir too vigorously. Cover securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 mins to 1hr.

Whipped Cream directions

Place metal mixing bowl and metal whisk into the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Place sugar into mixing bowl ; add whipping cream. Whisk until the cream reaches stiff peaks.

Spoon the berries into chilled glasses and top with a dollop of freshly made whipped cream. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

This is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser! Especially for those concerned about bikini season! ; )