Our humble house's blessing (December 12)

Been so out-of-date with my albums. This one has been left behind for almost a month now. How could I forget to put up one of the most special event that we've had in the previous weeks? Guess I was just so eager to complete my pending uploads.

Moving in to our new place won't be any at all complete without having it blessed. We asked Father Bong to perform the ritual where he sprinkled every part of the house with holy water while saying a prayer. He also blessed the both of us. Then we had offering of coins, that were later on strewn on the floor for guests to keep. Of course we prepared a simple dinner for all of us to enjoy. 

Click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/Moving%20in%20Blessing/

New Year's Eve Party (December 31)

What better way to celebrate the New Year than spend it with family and friends over a sumptuous dinner? I couldn't have wished for it any other way.

We had everything planned out for this big event. We got a spit roast pig to have what we call "star of the dining table". Each family had also brought a dish or two to share with everyone. Then there were spherical fruits which are believed to attract prosperity for the year ahead. I shouldn't forget to add "tikoy" and "pinindot", which are considered as good luck when eaten during this time because it connotes stronger relationship within the family. Not only that, we also tried our best to wear polka dots and/or stripes.

Don't we all love how we Filipinos celebrate the New Year? Whether its pure myth or tradition, we just simply hold on to them year after year. But somehow, I guess they might help, in one way or the other.

I still believe that the key to having a brighter and better new year ahead is through hard work with a dose of faith.

Click link for photos: http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/New%20Year%202012/

Project: Cake for the New Year 2012

My last cake project for the year 2011 and my first for the year 2012.

This was for Donna, the niece of Kumare Geraldine.  She has placed the order before Christmas just in case I'd be fully-booked on the New Year.  She wanted it on the 1st of January, before lunchtime.  I marked the date on my calendar so I'd be reminded.  Lucky I was given the weekend off, which I haven't had in a long time; a perfect time to do some tasks and get ready for the new year. 

I can proudly say that with this one, the whole idea of design was mine and mine alone.  She didn't specify what sort of cake she wanted to have.  When I asked her if she has anything in mind, she just said "anything nice".  No offense to her but I honestly find it hard to start a project when I have no idea how and where to start.  When clients give me specific theme or design, or colors and shape, I prefer that.  Not only does it lessen the time I spent on research, it also makes the task easier. 

fondant flowers

The daisy flowers were placed on top to give it a fresher and brighter look.  I don't know if it has anything to do with the New Year but flowers are classic, timeless.  They can help transform a simple cake into an entirely beautiful creation. 

Project: A heart-shaped wedding anniversary cake

Second cake.

For a wedding anniversary, the client wanted it in the shape of a heart and in lavender color. 

Cake: Moist chocolate cake
Filling: Nutella chocolate butter cream

Fondant: I tried making twisted ropes using fondant.  This makes an outstanding accent for cake border, according to the site where I got the idea from.  Well, the first try wasn't too bad after all.  But for next time, I'll have to make the ropes a bit thicker in diameter.  There's also another technique that you'd notice for the first time on this project.  Can you guess what that is?  Right.  Recently purchased a set of daisy cut-outs from Ebay and thought it would be perfect to complete the elegant look of this cake. 

Project: Australian flag cake

First of the two cakes ordered by the same client.

I was actually planning to make one on Australia Day, along with the Citizenship awarding ceremony for those who successfully passed the test, which includes my husband. Never really thought I'd be asked to make one sooner than I had planned. Because of that, I've got far better reason to make the project.  

Cake... I've done a few big cakes before of the same rectangular shape, so I know pretty much how to handle it. In fact, I reckon it's easier to bake cakes in bigger pans than in small ones because they don't have to be split up and poured into separately.  That way, leveling becomes a less difficult task.  The thickness is almost perfectly even from end to end.  For this cake, I used two recipes of chocolate cake to obtain the right height.

Fondant... The same problem I get everytime I need a distinct color. It just won't give me the right lightness and saturation I want to achieve. Instead of having a dark blue and a red color, I ended up getting a royal blue and bright pink. How annoying was that?  Regardless of how much amount of liquid food coloring I add into the fondant, I doesn't make any difference. Should really consider buying a good quality brand.  The question is, where?

45th Family Day (Dec 18)

It took me while before I could find time to upload this album. As always, I've been so busy making cakes after work while trying to complete my Christmas shopping in between. I just realized I had been working ten straight days over the holidays. Yes, believe it or not, I had to work an 8-hour shift on Christmas day. Thank God I'm still breathing.

Few good reasons why I love this album.

...I was half the time behind the camera than in front of it, which is quite unusual for me. Well, for a change, I wanted to try if I have an eye for photography. Exciting experience it was, I should say. You'll be the judge if I should pursue it or not.

...I have witnessed how a new friendship blossomed between Inay Juling and Ina Letty. There was like an unknown force of nature that pulled them together to be as close as they are. It all started in a casual conversation and the rest is just magic. Now they've found a "kumare" in each other.

...Although this happened a week before Christmas and though it's bit late now, I could still recall how joyful we were that day. We shared a unique set of food for dinner, with pritong tuyo and talong, and pinakbet. Don't we all miss these simple dishes back home?

...Lightroom has been helping me enhance my photos since a friend told me about it. Up to now I'm still learning how to use some of its features. I just know a few tricks that I always apply and somehow it never fails me.

...Most of all, the whole idea of having this Family Day has evolved into not just an ordinary get-together but to a more meaningful sense of closeness between families. It has opened doors to greater understanding, sharing and compassion.

For that, Sundays won't be the same without Family Day. 

Click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/2011%20Family%20Days/45th%20Family%20Day%202011/

Project: Round gift box themed cake with bows in vibrant colors

I made this cake as a Christmas present for our friends, our "kumpare and kumare", Brian and Anne Liwanag.  For the longest time, Brian has been asking my husband how much do I normally charge for my cakes.  I presumed he wanted to order to try it out but never really did have the chance to do so.  

They say Christmas is the time for giving.  I say, there's no better time to grant someone's wish than now.  A simple act of giving gives a deeper meaning of what Christmas is all about.  

Anekh brought the cake over to their place on Saturday morning, the 24th.  I wasn't able to come with him because I was working.  To know how completely surprised and happy the couple was when they accepted the gift gave me a pleasant smile that could last a whole day.

Project: Round gift box themed cake

For my Indian friend and co-worker at the Dome.  He wanted to try how good my cakes really are.  I mean no joke by that.  That's what he said to me when I asked what sort of theme/design he'd like to have.  A simple cake was all he asked for, may not necessarily be well decorated and preferably small.

This was actually made before Christmas, on the same date as the square themed, but had been unable to write a post on time.  While everyone else is still enjoying their long break from work, I have been working since Wednesday.  I didn't even get to enjoy Christmas Day.  That's how terribly sad working in hospitality could get.  Anyway, why am I even talking about that here? 

On the Friday morning, my friend together with his wife, came to pick up the cake.  It was also their first time to check out our new place.

Project: Square gift box themed cake

The cake looks typical on the outside but what's inside it is something I never thought could be possible.  Any idea why that Ferrero sits on top of the cake?  

The answer is... Because cake was made with tiny bits of Ferrero Rocher chocolate as requested especially by the client.  She wanted a chocolate cake incorporated with crushed Ferrero balls.  When she first told me about it, I was like "How am I meant to do that?"  Then eventually figured out myself how it should be done. 

I thought it would be as simple as I thought it would be to make the cake, but I was wrong.  Well, it wasn't really a failure in a major way.  It just didn't rise properly.  The other cakes I normally bake come out light and airy, but this one looked a bit compact and fudgy.  I supposed there was nothing wrong with the procedure.  It could have been caused by the addition of Ferreros into the mixture, I concluded.  Instead of being stressing out over the poor outcome, I thought of baking another set of cake, original recipe.  Anyway, the cakes will be covered with fondant so I could just assemble them alternately, one on top of another.  And the idea worked just how I wanted it.

Trish is the  Canadian girl from work who asked me to make this cake.  A few days ago, she quit the job because she's moving to Melbourne.  Before leaving for good, she wanted to give this cake to the person who gave her a home while in Albany.  To whom the words "Thank You" were for.  

It's such an overwhelming feeling how a simple cake that I made can touch another person's life.  Trish was very grateful because I've done her a very big favor for doing the cake.  Consequently, she'll make someone else happy too.  This is one of the best things in life that no amount of money can buy, sheer happiness.  

44th Family Day (Dec 11)

Another Sunday that had something to celebrate about -- Inay Juling just got back from the Philippines and she'll be here to stay for one whole year. Isn't that good news?

The joy of being able to participate once again on this every Sunday gathering with us was very evident in her smile.  We could see how happy she was to be reunited with her family, especially with Charmelle.  Although she had only been away for only two months, it still seemed so long.  She said she missed us all.  And we missed her more.  

Upon learning that we've moved in next door to theirs, she was even more elated.

Click link for photos:  http://s929.photobucket.com/albums/ad136/sherylsantos31/2011%20Family%20Days/44th%20Family%20Day/