Up, Up and Away! (Cakes for boys! part 3)

Just finished up this cake for the ever-talented Amy Atlas, who put together an over-the-top, beautiful "Ready For Takeoff!" birthday party for her 4 year old son.My friend Patti Paige of Baked Ideas, who's amazing attention to detail NEVER ceases to amaze and inspire me, created theseUNBELIEVABLE cupcakes and cookies:

(above cookie & cupcake photos courtesy: Amy Atlas & Patti Paige)*Thank you so much to cake artist, Liz Shim and Kristen Veloria for coming to my rescue at the last minute to help me out with the cake & the delivery!

An other FAVORITE Tool: Flexible Measuring Cups

I just had to say how great these silicone flexible measuring cups are for kids to work with.
(OK, its true, I'm a big fan of most silicone baking tools, but this one's special...)
Kids can get a good, fun, bendy grip and measure and pour away.
Flexible Measuring Cups, Ken LeVan, 2008
Made of translucent silicone, these nested measuring cups allow you to form a spout anywhere along the flexible rims for precise pouring. The textured surfaces provide a secure grip, and two clear measurement windows allow you to view the contents. The large size may also be used as a mixing bowl. Microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Set of three. Capacity: one, two, and four cups.

2009:A Year of Cakes For Boys: Part 2

Jedi, Legos, transformers, Bakugan, sports themes, superheros... trains, planes and automobiles have been making their way out of the kitchen all this year.

Luckily, there have been plenty of opportunities for field research (Transformer cake in progress above) I was able to gain access to the finest 5 & 6 year old masters, technical advisers and experts at every playdate. (Transformer cake finished above)

So, big thank you to all the super sweet and appreciative little (BIG) boys!

Cake Ball Snowmen

We're loving the snow right now. Here's a variation on "cake lollipops", Cake-ball Snowmen. PHOTOGRAPHS BY GAIL ALBERT HALABAN.

These cake balls were formed then put in the freezer for about 20 minutes...(we had "play breaks" while they set up and chilled).
the chilled cakes covered lightly in buttercream icing (with our fingers, very messy!) and rolled in our hands to reshape balls and set into the freezer for an other 10-30 minutes
...the kids rolled the chilled and iced cake balls in a coating of confectioner's and sanding sugars. For supports we poked lollipop sticks into small 1/2" thick foamboard squares I cut in advance.

...and then they decorated away, with tubes of gel sparkle icing, rainbow mini chips, heart sprinkles, modeling chocolate, or you can use any colorful candies you have on hand.*step-by-step how-to video:*