Talking About Wedding Cake ....

A few fun tidbits and tips to think about when choosing your wedding cake.

The multitier wedding cake that is so familiar at receptions is modeled after the spires of St. Bride’s Church in England.

The average wedding cake costs between $500 and $700 and onwards up to thousands of dollars. Figure on $4.50 per serving.

Most wedding cakes still are made of round tiers. Square-tiered cakes look very sophisticated, but they have not put much of a dent in the popularity
of the traditional round.

Bakers routinely offer back-up sheet cakes for the wedding reception to make sure there is enough cake for all the guests, no matter what the size of the tiered version at the center of the room is. But it is increasingly popular for brides to plan for a table of various desserts in addition to the wedding cake.

According to the The Knot.com. Red velvet cake is by far the most popular flavor among brides (especially in the south). Bakers suggest that there only be two flavors in a three-tiered cake. The sheet cake can be another flavor altogether.

Make sure the bottom layer is a flavor the bride and groom both like. That is the layer they will cut and serve each other symbolizing their pledge to work together and to care for each other.


Brides often save the top layer to share with the groom on their first anniversary. But you can also preserve it in brandy to be shared on your 50th (don't know how it will taste -- but it can be done.) Some bakeries will also offer to re-create the top of the cake for the first wedding
anniversary.

Sources: Various web sites, comments by bakers and wedding planners).

Wear Your Heart on Your Cake : ) Heart Cake Toppers

Where there's cake there's a topper; and your topper personalizes your cake and you as a couple. What is more traditional than the heart? Below are contemporary versions and traditional. They've come along way ... toppers that is, below are some of the newer designs and we think they are beautiful!

Love Knot Cake Topper - A refreshing departure from a classic figurine this glazed porcelain sculpture has a distinctly contemporary look . The knot at the base of the heart represents your commitment to love, honor and cherish for eternity. Each cake topper measures 6.5" tall and is meant to be displayed as a keepsake after your wedding.

Tropical Bliss Cake Topper - Not all beach weddings are barefoot-casual, and this glazed porcelain piece is made to be displayed at the most luxurious of tropical settings. Its simple-chic design looks great with minimally decorated cakes, and if your cake is to be elaborately embellished with flowers, seashells or icing, it serves as an appropriately subtle finishing touch. Each figurine measures
5.75" tall.

Love and Lace - From smooth pearls to lacy embroidery, a wonderful play of textures makes this romantically styled cake topper stand out. The white resin base looks like white icing so the transition from cake to topper is very subtle. Each piece measures 8" tall and includes a secret compartment for storing a keepsake after your wedding.

Hearts Flourish - Spirited and spontaneous, this glazed porcelain design is meant to bring a distinct contemporary style to your cake top. After the wedding your cake topper becomes a keepsake and a beautiful object d'art on a bookshelf or in a collector's cabinet. This piece measures 6.5" tall.

Take My Hand - A modern version of the traditional figurine, this cake topper depicts a romantic moment between the bride and goom as they're framed by a heart. Each piece is crafted in glazed porcelain so the topper has a smooth finish and a bit of shine. Measures 5.75" tall.

All Fore! Love Interchangeable Cake Topper

I'm all "fore" love : ) (Couldn't resist) . . .

Here's your chance to poke a little fun at your fianceé's golf obsession. Lighthearted and whimsically styled , this topper is made of porcelain with vivid, handpainted details. The set includes both a bride and groom figurine that can be mixed and matched in your choice of African American or caucasian. Each figurine measures 5.5" tall. While you may mix and match the figurines shown, we are not able to provide custom paint colors for the hair, skin color or other details.

Only other comment I have ... maybe bride should be dressed in black... because she will more thank likely end up a "golf widow." : ) Unless she plays of course!

Red Velvet Cake For Your Wedding Cake ... Not So Strange : )

What's one of the hottest wedding cake flavors today? Red Velvet cake -- an old Southern specialty that has had a resurgence of popularity. Couples love the color (Red) created by blemding cocoa powder and red food coloring and they crave the "not-too-sweet" batter and
cream cheese frosting. Red velvet is also a creative way to personalize your wedding -- it tastes great, looks great and makes a good conversation piece at the table : ) And, don't forget ... you can also make red velvet cupcakes! Need a recipe? Here is the easy version:

The Cake

1 pkg. (18.25 oz.) German Chocolate cake Mix

1 pkg (3.4 oz) Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix

2 Tbs. cocoa Powder

1 Cup sour cream

1/3 cup oil

3 eggs

1 oz. liquid red food coloring

Frosting:

8 oz. cream cheese

1/2 cup butter softened

4 cups confectioner's sugar

1 Tbs. milk

3/4 tsp. vanilla

• Preheat oven to 350^oF. Grease 2 (9") round cake pans. Combine cake mix, pudding mix and cocoa. Stir in sour cream, 1/2 cup water, oil, eggs and fool coloring. On medium speed beat 2 minutes. Divide batter between pans. Bake 30 minutes or until pick instead into centers comes out clean. Cool.
• Frosting: on medium beat cream cheese, and butter. Slowly beat in sugar, then milk and vanilla until fluffy. Fill and frost cake.

Want more recipes? Check out Smitten Kitten; Cake Man Raven; Epicurious; Martha Stewart's recipe or simply put a request in the search engine under "Red Velvet."

Easier still; buy one : ) at Amazon.com or Bake Me a Wish's Red Velvet Chocolate Anniversary Cake