1,000 Ideas For Decorating Cupcakes, Cookies & Cakes

A few months back, we blogged about how two of our cakes were chosen to appear in 1,000 Ideas for Decorating Cupcakes, Cookies & Cakes. The book is now available (just in time for the holidays!) and I wanted to share our photos here.

Our Cake Segment!

Last Wednesday, Pastry Girl Cakes made our television debut with a short segment on WPIX Morning News. We brought three different cake displays for the at-home audience to vote on - results should be in soon! - and discussed current cake trends.

The first cake was a classic option with an updated twist. Different tier heights modernized the overall traditional look. The second display was a trio of fall inspired cakes. The third display was a petite version of a dessert table that included a two tier cream cheese covered cake and small pastries like cake balls and mini pumpkin pies.

Here's a clip from the segment in case you missed it!

And some behind the scenes photos:

Discussing the segment with producer Kate Sullivan

Going over set design with designer Dennis

Posing with the happy couple


Cool picture in a picture shot

Me, Tamsen and Niaja & Christopher

Thank you to everyone at WPIX for a smooth sailing segment!

Can't believe the wedding is next week! Tune in on Wednesday to vote on the honeymoon!

WPIX Cake Tasting

This morning, I went over to Perfect Wedding Planner where I met with the winners of the $100,00 NYC Magical Wedding, Niaja and Christopher. The bride and groom sampled red velvet and carrot cupcakes, as well as lemon cake with rich ganache. The flavors were a big hit and we will be incorporating all three into their cake.

Here are some pictures from the tasting:

Tune in to Channel 11 on November 10th between 7-9 am to see the three wedding cake styles we'll be presenting for the at-home audience to vote on!

Wedding Wednesday x 3!

We have been so busy here with all of our fall orders that we've fallen behind with our Wedding Wednesday blog posts. So today we're reviewing the segments from the past 3 weeks.

First up, we got a glimpse inside the upscale Liz Russell Salon where the bride will be getting her hair and make up done on the big day. Watch the clip below to view the 3 hairstyles and vote for your favorite.



Next, we got to see 3 different floral arrangements from Perfect Wedding Planner Florals. The creative women from PWP showed us a warm fall theme with browns and oranges as well as a romantic option with whites and ivories. The final arrangement was city chic with hot pinks and black damask.



This morning, Tamsen spoke with A. Jaffe and we got treated to a stunning collection of engagement and wedding bands. Watch the segment to check out all the bling!



Check back tomorrow when we share details from our cake tasting with the bride.

Mini Cake Wedding Favors

This weekend, I had the honor of making mini cake wedding favors for a wonderful couple, Frank & Fanny. I made 48 mini vanilla cakes with chocolate buttercream that were decorated with watermelon dots and a tangerine "M" monogram.

The favors were packaged in individual biodegradable boxes tied with a tangerine ribbon and beautiful stickers provided by the bride.

We also had the pleasure of seeing the bride on her way into the ceremony and she looked gorgeous! Congratulations Frank & Fanny!

Wedding Wednesday - The Registry

Often times, before the wedding comes the registry. Couples head to a few different department stores and select everything from dinner plates to panini presses for their friends and family to purchase as engagement or wedding gifts.

This week, WPIX featured JC Penney and offered some helpful tips about the registry process. Click below to watch the segment!

Wedding Wednesday

As the WPIX NYC Magical Wedding day nears, certain elements still need to be chosen to complete the look of the ceremony and reception. This morning, Tamsen Fadal spoke with Party City about invitations, party favors and even bachelorette party goodies. For a beautiful and affordable option, check out your local Party City invitation aisle to find a variety of styles.

Party favors are a gracious way to thank your guests for attending your wedding and can be incorporated into your wedding theme. Matching your ribbons and tags to your wedding colors can enhance the look of your reception. Party City even sells do-it-yourself kits so that you can assemble your favors.

Check out this morning's interview and don't forgot you can still vote on the dress and tux here!

Latest Cake Details

Our slot machine cake was reincarnated last weekend for another 80th birthday. Only this time the cake traveled all the way to Springfield, Massachusetts! We used edible imaging again to include the birthday girl's photo, as well as hand made gold sugar coins and Massachusetts lottery tickets. The cake was yellow butter with strawberry buttercream.

On Saturday, we delivered this ruffled anemone wedding cake to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. The bottom two tiers were pumpkin chocolate chip with cream cheese frosting and the top two tiers were vanilla with chocolate mousse buttercream.

Wedding Wednesday - Grooms

This week's Wedding Wednesday segment focused on the groom and the three tuxedo choices being provided by Jakob Custom Clothiers. Watch the video below and vote on the tuxedo you'd like to see Christopher wear on his wedding day!

New Cakes!

Last weekend, we delivered this bridal shower shoe box cake to Thyme cafe in Roslyn, NY. The bottom tier (the leopard print shoe box) is vanilla bean cake with chocolate ganache and raspberry preserves. The top cake (the pink shoe box) is red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting). The pink lid is vanilla bean cake. The handmade high heel is decorated with a leopard print with a pink instep and has the bride-to-be's name painted on as the label. I also included a gift card made of sugar from endless.com (a private joke between the guest of honor and her family). Finally, we added tissue paper also made from sugar paste to the top box and base.

We also delivered this wedding cake to a private residence in Tribeca. The entire cake is carrot with cream cheese frosting. I added the word "love" to the top tier and hand painted hearts in red, orange, yellow and purple with a graffiti style in mind. This cake was very time consuming, but a lot of fun to make. The bride didn't give me a specific design, but she said she loved hearts and color and wanted the cake to be somewhat non-traditional.

Wedding Wednesday - Start Voting!

If you haven't been following WPIX's NYC Magical Wedding, now is definitely the time to start tuning in! The at-home audience is now being asked to vote on all of the elements of the wedding; from the apparel to the decor.

This week, high end dress designers Pronovias showcased three stunning wedding dresses for the audience to choose from and for bride-to-be Naija to wear on the big day! It seems like an impossible choice since they're all really beautiful and special in their own way.

Next week, WPIX will announce the dress that got the most votes and the audience will get to see the three tuxedo styles that are in contention for the groom, Christopher.

Check out the video segment below to see the dresses and then go here to vote on your favorite dress. Then see if your dress made the cut next Wednesday, September 22 during the 8 am hour.

AND the premiere of Top Chef: Just Desserts begins tonight on Bravo - yum!

Wedding Wednesday - The Magical Couple!

This morning WPIX revealed the winning couple of the $100,000 NYC Magical Wedding - congratulations to Naija Graham and Christopher Bolasingh!!

Watch this morning's clip here.


We are also excited to announce that we will be on WPIX morning news on Wednesday, November 10 during the 8 o'clock hour for a segment about the wedding cake. We're honored to make the cake for this couple!

Pastry Girl Cakes on Kickstarter

This week, Pastry Girl Cakes launched our fundraising page on Kickstarter to help with the costs for opening our retail bake shop. Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects, where aspiring chefs, artists, musicians, etc. can help get the funding they need to get their businesses up and running.

Kickstarter is an all or nothing funding source. We have 45 days (October 15th) to raise $5,000. If we do not reach that goal, we receive nothing.

On our project page, we included a short video montage of some of our pastries as well as a short Q & A about how the bake shop will operate. You can also see the yummy rewards we're offering for the generous donations.

Check our progress and watch our video!

Wedding Wednesday - Financial Security

This week's Wedding Wednesday segment was all about securing your financial future and planning for the life that follows after the big day. Stonegate Wealth Management offered some tips on how to begin to take steps to become financially responsible.

Here's a look at their segment from this morning:



Tune in next Wednesday morning when they announce the winning couple of the $100,000 magical wedding!

Georgetown Cupcake

On a recent trip to Washington D.C., I checked out TLC's DC Cupcake bakery, Georgetown Cupcake. I waited in a line that stretched halfway down the block and was let in only when the bakery bouncer said I could enter. Well, the wait and hype are totally worth it. I got four cupcakes and all of them were amazing.

Here's a look at the counter full of delicious cupcakes:


You can't tell from this picture, but there are about a dozen people taking orders, filling cupcake boxes and restocking the cupcake plates. Here are two Georgetown Cupcakers hard at work.


I got Vanilla Birthday, Red Velvet, Chocolate Squared and Cookies & Creme. (The chocolate frosting on the Chocolate Squared cupcake was among the best I've ever had in my life).


On the way home, I also stopped in at their Besthesda, Maryland location (just for research of course) and those cupcakes were spectacular as well.

People's Pops

Last weekend, we checked out the Brooklyn Flea and got to see a lot of interesting vendors selling everything from handmade furniture to french macaroons. Below is a picture of the guys from People's Pops (they sell ice pops) serving up cold pops on a killer hot day. They shave a big block of ice and infuse fresh fruit and herb flavors for an organic, local treat.

Here a few of the flavors they've featured this summer: strawberry - basil, rhubarb & mint and plum and sour cherry.

We recommend cooling off with a refreshing ice pop during the last (hopefully!) hot days of summer!

Wedding Wednesday - The Couple!

This morning, we were introduced to two loving and deserving couples both vying for the $100,000 NYC Magical Wedding. Niaja Graham and Christopher Bolasingh are childhood friends whose romance blossomed when they reunited one day by chance. Melissa Piorkowski & Wilmar Acevedo are high school sweethearts that have supported each other for over 12 years!

It's a tough choice since both couples are so sweet and devoted to each other. Read their stories and vote for your favorite!

Also, we are happy to announce that our cake segment will air LIVE(!) on November 10th in the 8 am hour. Then the at home viewer will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite cake style.

Niaja Graham and Christopher Bolasingh

Melissa Piorkowski & Wilmar Acevedo

Wedding Wednesday - The Dress!!

This week, Tamsen Fadal took us inside wedding gown boutique Pronovias on Madison Avenue and we got a sneak peak into current dress trends and a look at some truly stunning fashion. Pronovias will be providing the wedding gown for the NYC Magical Wedding (after home viewers vote on their favorite!).

Here's a link to the segment so you can admire the breathtaking dresses!

Today is the last day to enter to win the $100,000 NYC Magical Wedding! Entries will only be accepted until 11:59 EST tonight!

Here's one of my favorites from their site.

New Cakes!

A couple of weeks ago, we delivered this two tiered bridal shower cake to a restaurant in Maspeth, Queens. The bottom tier was white with pink and chocolate stripes and the top tier was light pink with white and chocolate polka dots. The cake was topped with a pink and chocolate sugar bow. The cake flavor was red velvet with cream cheese frosting.

We also created this two tiered vintage peony cake for a wedding in Westchester. The white cake was decorated with gold ribbons and a single pink peony that I painted gold to give it a vintage quality. The cake was coconut with key lime curd.

Wedding Wednesday - Entertainment

When you plan the details of your wedding and begin to agonize over every flower, place setting and favor, it's easy to get caught up in the minutia and overlook the big picture. A wedding reception is a big celebration for two families who want to enjoy the months of planning and have a great time. Music is probably the single most important part of a reception since you depend on your DJ or live performers to keep the dance floor packed with the perfect mix of songs to please several generations.

This Wednesday, WPIX took a look inside Bravura, the musical sponsor for The NYC Magical Wedding, and gave us some insight for how to choose your entertainment. Check out the segment below.

Also, the deadline to win the $100,000 wedding is fast approaching (August 11th!) so hurry up and enter yourself or deserving friends and family!

Princess Castle Cake Details

Last weekend, we delivered a princess themed birthday cake to Syosset, Long Island for a second birthday. The cake was covered in bright pink fondant and decorated with blue, purple and green accents. The bottom tier was chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream and raspberry filling, and the top tier was chocolate cake with nutella buttercream.

I covered the cake base with gray fondant and gave it a cobblestone look. A brown door decorated the front of the castle and a green vine with purple flowers cascaded around the castle and spelled out the birthday girl's name. Pink bricks were added for additional detail.

Blue windows complete with panes and flowers finished the cake. This cake was definitely all about the details.

The crown was handmade from sugar paste and painted silver. It was decorated with edible sugar crystals and a "2".

Candles were stuck in on the top tier and lit up the cake like Cinderella's castle at Disney World.

Here's the birthday girl enjoying her cake!

Wedding Wednesday - Picking A Photographer

It's Wednesday, which means it is time for our weekly recap of WPIX's Wedding Wednesday segment, in anticipation of the New York City Magical Wedding. This week, Tamsen Fadal discussed the importance of choosing the right photographer with Rick Helman Photography & Video. Here is a clip:

Get Married Magazine

I'm are so thrilled to have my Falling Flowers cake featured in the Fall issue of Get Married magazine! Get Married is a comprehensive resource for brides offering a website, television show and quarterly magazine with beautiful pictures and inspiration on everything from ceremonies to favors

I've already read the issue and am blown away by the gorgeous layout. Brides and their wedding parties will love all of the ideas and prices included to help you budget.

Our cake is featured on page 104 as part of their chocolate inspiration board. The Fall issue hits newsstands tomorrow, July 27th so be sure to pick up a copy!

Wedding Wednesday - on Thursday!

This week has been so hectic with really cute orders (more on that next week!) that we didn't have time to share our thoughts on the WPIX Wedding Wednesday segment. This week, Tamsen visited The Chateau Briand (beautiful venue for the $100,000 wedding giveaway!!) and got a tour of their vast grounds. Here's a clip from yesterday's morning news:

Magical Wedding Wednesday!

This morning, Tamsen Fadal from WPIX hosted the first segment after the launch party for The NYC Magical Wedding. We were guided inside The Chateau Briand and got to see an interview with the talented wedding planners from Perfect Wedding Planning (PWP).

Wedding planners can help tie the various elements of your event together and manage your vendors and focus on the details that can seem overwhelming. Here's a clip from this morning in case you missed it!

If you or someone you know has a great love story and wants the chance to win a $100,000 wedding, WPIX will be accepting submissions until August 11th!

Cake Stands

When you make a beautiful dessert you want to serve it on something as equally as beautiful. For this reason my collection of cake stands has grown to include varying sizes and colors and is constantly multiplying. I love to mix and match cake stands for an eclectic look and display everything from cakes to petit fours.

Here's a look at one(!) of my cake stand shelves:

Inside the Launch Party!

This morning, we woke up REALLY early and headed over to The New York Helmsley Hotel for the Launch Party of WPIX The NYC Magical Wedding. The Knickbocker suite was beautifully decorated with tables from all of the participating vendors. David Tutera did a great job hosting the event and graciously signed copies of his book and posed for photos.

We made mini cupcakes for the brides and grooms to sample. Flavors included vanilla cake with lemon buttercream and a raspberry drizzle, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, rich chocolate cake with chocolate mousse buttercream and our popular red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Here's a look at our display table:

And a close up of our cakes:


The buffet for the beautiful brides:

Breathtaking dresses from Pronovias. The first dress is so unbelievable, I wish I was having another wedding!

Me and David!

Miss New York, Davina Reeves, modeling a wedding dress:

Tamsen Fadal reported on the event and did an amazing job. Tamsen was super sweet and it was so exciting getting to watch her live. And she's even more beautiful in person!

Here I am in the background while Tamsen is interviewing David - how Forrest Gump!

Throughout the morning prizes from vendors were raffled and one very excited couple won a groom's cake from us!

Every Wednesday WPIX will have more wedding information and I'll update you on the progress of the contest as it unfolds. For now, you can enter yourself or anyone you think has an incredible love story for a chance to win the $100,000 magical wedding!