« May 2009 | Main | August 2009 »
Got this BeaterBlade the other day from my local cake shop. Was thrilled they had the right size for my Kitchen Aid and I couldn't wait to try it out. It's awesome!!
No more stopping the mixer and scraping down the bowl while mixing. The batter was silky smooth and no chunks at the bottom. Love it!
This one looks pretty snazzy too. I like the blue and the circle in the middle.
I saw the Rainbow Cake making the rounds of my favorite blogs months ago - specifically Omnomicon's version. The pictures are gorgeous and I've been wanting to try it out ever since. When my dear friend Guadalupe asked me to make the birthday cake for her 6 year old daughter's birthday, I thought, here's my chance!!
So after discussing it, Gabi and I decided on an artist's palette birthday cake since she loves art. I made the inside a rainbow cake as a surprise. It turned out really well and was quite tasty (thanks Betty). Go over to Omnomicon for the recipe and how-to. I baked the colored batter a little differently so I've included some "making-of" shots below.
Last weekend I did a test run of the cake to get a feel for the batter and to see how bright the colors came out. It came out good (albeit over-cooked because I started yakking away on the phone and forgot about them in the oven - oops) and was really easy. I followed Omnomicon's directions with the batter on this one. I wish I had taken a picture of the crumbs on the white plate - so beautiful!
So anyhoo - I was concerned that if I carved the sides of the cake for the palette, that I would cut off an entire color so instead I decided to "blob" the colors on Gabi's cake today so everyone would get a variety of colors.
Basics
14" pan (Magi-cake strips)
2 boxes of Betty Crocker white cake mix (egg whites, oil, water)
AmeriColor liquid gel food coloring
white and chocolate frosting
Masonite cake board (foil)
I mixed the two boxes of cake mix and split the batter evenly into 9 bowls then tinted each bowl a different color.
Then I just took a spoon and started dropping the different colors of batter into the prepared pan (tip - always use a parchment round at the bottom of cakes 10" and bigger, I learned that one the hard way!). I filled the bottom of the pan first and then added more blobs on top in a second and third layer.
Give the pan a few taps to fill any gaps and release bubbles then bake. Mine took 35 minutes at 360 (my oven's a little off - thank goodness for oven thermometers).
Glorious!!
I decided not to level the top of the cake since it would only be one layer. Besides - it was pretty flat anyway because of the Magi-cake strips (best invention ever).
I placed it on the prepared masonite board (another awesome find - it's really sturdy but light, love 'em) and carved the sides, gave it a crumb coat and then frosted it with her name and some "paint" blobs.
Voila!! She liked it and that's what matters. I loved hearing her squeal when she saw the colors inside that was my reward. :)
I hope you'll try it and surprise someone too. Here is a link to a zebra cake that I'll try one day soon. Happy baking!
Ahhh - the Kitchener Stitch...the devil's worst torture!! I've been working on an adorable pixie baby hat for the little guy from the fabulous Vintage Baby Knits by Kristen Rengren.
I'm using a beautiful variegated merino sock yarn (lost the tag!) and whipped up the hat in a jiffy but then I got stuck on using the Kitchener Stitch to make up the back seam. It stopped me in my tracks for weeks. I tried it, ripped it out, tried it again - swore a lot, ripped it out again. This insanity was repeated about 5 times before I finally just put it away. I pulled it out yesterday to show my Mom and sister and lamented that I still hadn't figured out the freaking stitch yet to complete the hat.
So tonight I scoured the internet and found the BEST instructional video for the Kitchener Stitch. I watched many, I read many written instructions, this one is by far the best and I think mostly because of the fact that it's 4+ minutes long so she does the stitch set over and over again and it helps you pick up the rythym. I love you KnitWitch!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7jIzwO5Nv4
Since it's 10:44pm on a "school" night I'm too lazy to find the camera, take a picture and then upload so I'll post a picture once it's completely done and blocked.
Lots of craftyness these days getting ready for baby. Still working on the nursery mural, started painting the details this weekend. Also finished another sweater. Will try to post them soon.
Have a great week!
