Kristen Seymour
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Email this| Posted Feb 5th 2010 at 11:00AM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Entertaining, Food + Libations
By Kathleen Squires
Football playoffs are in full swing, and any proper game day spread wouldn't be complete without the sport's official food mascots -- chips and dip. And although the average Joe can wax prolific on why he would never dunk a pita chip into onion dip or -- horrors -- smear a Pringle with guac, we've seen enough broken chips in our dip bowl to know that there's a science behind finding the perfect chip for every dip. So who better than a real food scientist to guide us in our search? As director of culinary technology for New York's French Culinary Institute (FCI), Dave Arnold develops, researches and teaches the latest trends in food technology and techniques, so we thought he'd be up to the task.
Arnold and his team of food science experts experimented with eight dips and eight chips, rating each combination on the essentials of a satisfying chips-n-dip experience: dip retention (read: the dip staying on the chip), chip breakage factor, crunch stability, and, last but not least, flavor. Their findings -- touchdowns and fumbles alike - follow.
Salsa
WINNER: No surprises here -- triangular tortillas are the perfect platform for salsa, primarily due to the chip's geometrical surface area. Plus, "corn and salsa is a classic flavor combination, period," says Arnold.
LOSER: Potato without ridges, both for low dip retention and high breakage factor -- not to mention that any guest would likely turn their nose up to this mismatched pair.
DIP TIPS: No matter what type of tortilla chip you chose, "thick salsa works best overall because of its viscosity," according to our panel. Though scoop-style tortillas scored highest on dip retention, Arnold points out that, "They can be like a ladle, and a watery salsa can make the scoop mealy in your mouth." Yuck!
Onion Dip
WINNERS: We've got an upset! This classic dip -- usually whipped up from a pack of dried onion soup mix and sour cream -- is most often associated with salty potato chips, but our testing panel called out bagel and pita chips as the winners. Bagel chips scored high marks for dip retention, little breakage and great crunch factor. Pita chips stood out because "the wheatiness cuts the sweetness of the onion," Arnold says. Who knew?
LOSER: Despite their long-time standings as onion dip sidekicks, both regular and potato with ridges fell short due to a general lack of sturdiness (read: lots of broken chips).
DIP TIPS: Onion dip's flavor nuances were tricky to pair. Scoop tortillas, which crumbled easily, took last place.
Hummus
WINNER: Pita chips, which stood up valiantly to the density of this thick chickpea dip. "It's a match made in the Middle East," Arnold says.
LOSER: Potato, without ridges. Here, the dip's density caused too much breakage.
DIP TIPS: Bagel chips came in a close second, and while many of us pair corn chips with hummus, Arnold observed that all tortillas produced a "chemical" flavor within the combination.
Guacamole
WINNER: When it comes to guacamole, if the chip ain't broke, don't fix it. And that chip is the triangular tortilla, which received a near perfect score in all categories.
LOSER: Potato chips -- which have no doubt made their way into a bowl of guacamole by the end of countless parties -- don't mix well with this avocado-based dip. According to Arnold and his panel, the chemical reaction was off. "Guacamole can be high in acid," Arnold says. "Combine it with the oil in potato chips and the result tastes like poison." Yikes!
DIP TIPS: Guacamole had high retention rates on all chips, except potato. A pairing with a bagel chip was deemed "ashy."
Bean
WINNERS: Pita and bagel, both of which weathered this dense dip admirably.
LOSER: Plantain, which left behind a "tea-like" residual taste, according to Arnold.
DIP TIPS: "Do not be afraid to adjust the texture of a dip like bean. Adding water can not only loosen a too-stiff dip, it improves dip retainability," Arnold determined. "Plus, a stiff bean dip is just not sexy."
Cheese
WINNERS: Round tortilla, pita and bagel. Pita and bagel scored high for their durability, while the cheese virtually stuck to the round tortilla like a magnet.
LOSER: Potato with ridges lost points for brittleness.
DIP TIPS: Don't go too gourmet with cheese dip. "If you're going lowbrow, go all the way," Arnold suggests. "You get a great consistency with simply Velveeta, jalapeno and tomato."
Spinach Artichoke
WINNER: Potato without ridges. This hearty dip's consistency was the surprise perfect match for what is widely considered the most popular chip.
LOSER: Pita, which the panel unanimously agreed, "added nothing" to the flavor of the dip.
DIP TIPS: As if you ever had any doubt, when it comes to dipping, not all potato chips are created equal. While its smooth counterpart took first place, the grooves in ridgy potato chips proved to be a soggy trap for this dip's high moisture content, resulting in a mealy mess.
Cucumber Yogurt
WINNER: The particles of the cucumber yogurt combo clung nicely to the round tortilla.
LOSER: Plantain. "It just doesn't go well with anything, and it loses for strength, crunch and retainability," says Arnold. "This one was the worst of the bunch." Ouch!
DIP TIPS: One surprise finding: "Pita plus cucumber creates a powdery aftertaste," said a panel member.
OTHER FASCINATING FINDINGS:
•The deeper the bowl, the better for dipping
•Plantain chips -- which ranked lowest for any dip -- should be used only as a last resort
•Baked chips should be paired with fattier dips, like guacamole.
•Pita chips have a porous side and a flat side. Use the porous side for optimal dip retention.
•Bagel chips are a great "neutral canvas" for most dips.
•Salty chips can compensate for bland dips.
Email this| Posted Feb 3rd 2010 at 3:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Entertaining, Food + Libations
By Michelle Toglia
Rooting for your favorite team is always better when you have the perfect snacks to munch on in between plays. Next game day, score a touchdown in the kitchen with these delicious Woman's Day snacks. By halftime, your party guests will be cheering for you too.
Artichoke Dip
Start the party off right with this easy artichoke dip paired with fresh veggies. Guests will love this appetizer and it will only take you 15 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe
Mediterranean Marinated Shrimp
Enjoy a zesty shrimp dish with roasted peppers, parsley and feta. This tasty snack will easily be a fan favorite.
Get the Recipe
Woman's Day
Baked Potato Dip
Give potato chips and raw vegetables a kick with a baked potato dip hors d'oeuvres.
Get the Recipe
Woman's Day
Southwestern Layered Dip with Chips
Dig into a southwestern layered dip during those nail-biting moments of the game. The appetizer includes a low-fat black bean layer and a fresh guacamole layer.
Get the Recipe
Woman's Day
Chinese Chicken Wingettes
Enjoy crispy Chinese chicken snacks covered in a soy sauce glaze. Garnished with sesame and scallions, these wings will surely fly before kickoff.
Get the Recipe
Woman's Day
Dips for Dunking
There's no such thing as too many dips for a football game. Give your guests a bunch of dunking options from Thai, Red Pepper Mayonnaise, and Cilantro Chimichurri, to Curry Yogurt and Asian Soy-Orange.
Get the Recipe
Woman's Day
Indian-Spiced Spinach Dip
Spice up the game with a tasty spinach dip using avocado and Greek yogurt. Cucumbers, carrots and peppers make great dippers for this flavorsome appetizer.
Get the Recipe
Woman's Day
Chili Potpies
Prepare delicious chili potpies in only 30 minutes using Boca meatless chili and a Latino vegetable blend. Use some ground red pepper for intense games.
Get the Recipe
Woman's Day
Tex-Mex Pulled Pork
Break out a tender pulled pork wrap during half time. Guests will savor the juicy dish topped with a tasty sauce full of green chilies and tomato sauce.
Get the Recipe
Woman's Day
Meatball Calzones
Become your own pizza shop and whip up these meatball calzones in only 28 minutes. Guests will love the cheesy dish as they cheer on their favorite team.
Get the Recipe
Woman's Day
Best-Ever Fried Chicken
Forget KFC and treat your football fanatics to some homemade fried chicken using buttermilk, pepper and thyme.
Get the Recipe
Woman's Day
Email this| Posted Feb 3rd 2010 at 1:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Decorating + Crafts, Entertaining
Gifts
Ask guests to bring gifts wrapped in the bride's favorite color to make a spectacular gift display to match the rest of the shower. Here, gifts wrapped in pink are stacked by a myrtle topiary; the planter is wrapped in two layers of paper: The top layer is glassine; cut out the bride's initial so the bottom layer -- solid pink -- shows through.
Martha Stewart Living
Invitations
Here, cutouts of colored paper are glued to the invitations for a color-block effect. At the bottom of each one, we printed an exchange between Julia Roberts and Sally Field's characters in the film Steel Magnolias: "My colors are blush and bashful. Your colors are pink and pink."
Martha Stewart Living
Shower Buffet
The table is draped with pink fabrics; offerings on the buffet include fresh-fruit skewers, salmon-mousse tartlets, balsamic shrimp, and chicken salad with raspberries.
Martha Stewart Living
Monogram Labels
To fashion these monogrammed labels, print on adhesive or regular paper and cut out with a 3-inch circle punch. Use them on favors, gifts, or even paper cups to customize your shower.
Martha Stewart Living
Photo Garland
Photo garlands make charming timelines of the bride and groom's childhoods -- and festive decorations. To make, sew glassine envelopes (with the flaps open) together, end to end, on a sewing machine; glue photos (or copies of them) to colored paper, and slide inside.
Martha Stewart Living
Pink Candy
Invite guests to help themselves to these yummy favors. Cellophane bags are filled with delicious goodies, including pink chocolate wafers, pillow mints, strawberry puffs, jelly beans, candy-coated milk-chocolate pieces, and tinted rock candy.
Martha Stewart Living
More Summer Fun from Martha Stewart
Brighten up your life with great tips, tricks, recipes, and more.
Martha Stewart Living
Email this| Posted Feb 2nd 2010 at 4:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Food + Libations
A simple make-ahead strategy lets everyone enjoy the favorite flavors of game day.
Tequila Touchdown
Designed especially for the day, the tequila touchdown takes after a tequila sunrise with its layered look and light citrus notes.
Get the recipe.
Seven-Layer Bean Dip
Assemble this classic dip in glass jars for a single-serving appetizer.
Get the recipe.
Spicy-Sweet Chicken Wings
These wings have a citrus flavor that's slightly sweet with some heat.
Get the recipe.
Sliders
Embed each burger with a pickle slice before broiling.
Get the recipe.
Grasshopper Cake
Cleverly cut mints and a thick layer of buttercream embellish chocolate cake.
Get the recipe.
Prep Schedule
1. 1 day to 3 1/2 hours ahead: Marinate chicken wings. Bake cake, but do not frost. Cook beans for dip, and mash. Chill drinks.
2. 1 hour ahead: Make frosting, and decorate cake. Shape sliders. Assemble dip. Bake wings.
3. 30 minutes ahead: Broil sliders. Set out fixings.
4. Just before party: Prepare cocktails. Make dipping sauce for wings. Set out food.
Party Foods
Take some of the guesswork out of planning your own fete with these favorite foods guaranteed to make you and your guests party "hearty!"
Get the recipes.
Email this| Posted Feb 2nd 2010 at 1:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Decorating + Crafts, Entertaining
By Kendra Smoot
Looking to add a special touch to a bridal shower? Get your maids together and whip up these charming favors.You might even inspire the bride-to-be to get cracking on her wedding favors!
Flirty Flower Belt
Flowers worn around your waist or in your hair are always in style. Create this chic accessory for your shower guests with silk flowers found at craft stores and thin grosgrain ribbon. Simply hot glue or stitch them together.
Seth and Kendra Smoot
Sweets for the Sweet
Choose one of your wedding colors to use in your bridal shower decor and invites. For favors, fill boxes with coordinated candies and top off with matching tags. This easy craft seamlessly incorporates the the big day into the shower, and no one will ever know how inexpensive they were to create!
Seth and Kendra Smoot
Terrific Terrarium
Old pickle and jelly jars get a new life as terrarium favors. Remove the labels by running the jars under very cold water. To plant the terrarium, layer rocks, moss, soil and finally plants from any garden store or farmer's market, then lightly water. Attach a tag with care instructions and a name to each. You can keep the lids on for easier transport home -- unify by spray painting them with a high gloss color.
Seth and Kendra Smoot
Fabulous Finds
Troll your local thrift shop or flea market for interesting trinkets that remind you of your friends and other shower guests. Then turn them into paper weight favors! For example, the feather here may be for a writer friend, and the hand could work for a friend who loves to travel or who admires the exotic. Keep size and material unified for a pretty presentation.
Seth and Kendra Smoot
Here's to You!
Thrift store glasses become personalized mementos with the help of a little etching cream. The process is very simple -- just cover the glasses with contact paper, cut out the desired shape with an X-Acto blade, then apply etching cream (I found it at a craft store). Shapes like hearts, flowers or big initials look beautiful.
Seth and Kendra Smoot
Email this| Posted Jan 31st 2010 at 12:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Gifts + Shopping
Not sure what to get the bride-to-be in your life? Consider one of these no-fail gifts for every type of gal.
She's a Foodie
Load up her spice rack with these flavorful tins.
Spice Basics, $34, TSPSpices.com
tspspices.com
She's a Romantic
Forget digital prints; she'll love snapping honeymoon shots with this vintage camera.
Lomo Diana Dreamer Camera, $65, UrbanOutfitters.com
urbanoutfitters.com
She's an Environmentalist
Arm her with cute, eco-friendly bags for stylish grocery shopping.
Pretty Green Bags, $27, UncommonGoods.com
uncommongoods.com
She's a Jet-Setter
Why not give her something snazzy to stash in the airplane's first-class closet?
Monogrammed Garment Bag, from $215, HenryBrownBags.com
henrybrownbags.com
She's a Homebody
A hassle-free wine-opening gizmo will really let her unwind.
Waring Pro Cordless Wine Opener, $40, CooksWarehouse.com
cookswarehouse.com
She Loves to Entertain
Unexpected guests? She can pop a pizza on the grill for quick, crispy slices.
Pizza Grilling Stone, $37, CrateandBarrel.com
crateandbarrel.com
She's Outdoorsy
This insulated, bright orange carryall is the perfect way to picnic in style.
Metro Picnic Basket, $27, Target.com
target.com
She's Sporty
Snorkeling will be much more fun if she's decked in newlywed gear.
Personalized bikini, $60, TheKnotShop.com
theknotshop.com
Email this| Posted Jan 30th 2010 at 12:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Decorating + Crafts, Food + Libations
By Megan Baldwin
When it comes to creating a picture-perfect bridal shower cake, we all wish we could be Martha Stewart. However, sometimes this just isn't feasible if you're in a time crunch.
But just because you've never fussed with the fondant, don't give up hope. Instead of spending hours up to your elbows in icing, here are a few easy, not to mention inexpensive, ideas for D.I.Y. decorating that would make Martha proud!
iStock
Cheesecake Lollipops
What is it about dessert on a stick that's irresistible? Cheesecake Lollipops are an adorable, not to mention mouthwatering treat that all your shower guests will love. Simply add colored sprinkles and a delicate bow to create a cute cake alternative.
Get the recipe here!
iStock
Bridal Shower Cake Decorating Idea: Sugar Flowers
Here's how to make your own candied flowers:
1. Choose your flowers: Only use fresh stems. If you're cutting your own, cut as close to the stem as possible.
2. Prepare Egg Whites: Dilute powdered egg whites with water and whisk into a thin paste.
3. Apply the Sugar: Dip a paintbrush into the egg white paste and apply to the surface of the flower. Sprinkle with very fine sugar.
4. Place flowers on metal sheet covered in wax paper.
5. Allow your flowers to dry: Store flowers in a cool-dry place for 24-hours
iStock
Bridal Shower Cake Decorating Idea: Cupcake Bar
Arrange a variety of plain cupcakes on a large tray. Set out different types of flavored frostings ranging from the traditional-vanilla and chocolate-to the off-beat like lemon, mint chocolate and peanut butter (use store bought if you don't want to make your own). Set up bowls filled with a variety of toppings ideas (anything from customized M&Ms to colored sprinkles).
iStock
Easy Ways to Ace Your Cake
1. Practice Makes Perfect: Try out your frosting techniques beforehand.
2. Less is More: If you aren't a pro, go with something simple. Think monochromatic, basic decorations.
3. Get Inspired: Check out bakeries, cake/baking blogs, cookbooks and websites for ideas.
4. Ask for help: There can never be too many hands in the kitchen, so don't be shy and ask your friends to get involved. Plus it will make the process more fun!
5. Have Fun: Don't stress out. After all, you're not the one walking down the aisle.
jupiterimages
Email this| Posted Jan 29th 2010 at 3:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Entertaining
A black-and-white damask print set the sophisticated yet fun tone at this shower. The pattern also popped up in the menus and favors.
Jennifer Skog, Jennifer Skog Photography
The patterned runner seemed to jump off the table, thanks to a solid avocado-green tablecloth underneath it. The result: current and polished.
Jennifer Skog, Jennifer Skog Photography
Hors d'oeuvres feel fancier when each one is a mini work of art. These bite-size globe grapes stuffed with fresh goat cheese and rimmed with chopped pistachio nuts fit right in with a chic party.
Jennifer Skog, Jennifer Skog Photography
Square, black chargers are a more modern pick than round, white plates -- and they look better with these rectangular menu cards that brought the damask motif into the place settings.
Jennifer Skog, Jennifer Skog Photography
Hydrangeas may be traditional wedding blooms, but they look totally fresh against a graphic damask runner. Hypericum berries add texture and work in more of the signature green hue.
Jennifer Skog, Jennifer Skog Photography
With their mint leaf garnishes, mojitos make the perfect signature drink for a green-themed party. A black-and-white paper umbrella ties the cocktail in with the rest of the details.
Jennifer Skog, Jennifer Skog Photography
Even the shower games fit in with the color scheme. The bridesmaids trimmed standard notepads in ribbon and displayed them in a bow-bedecked wire basket.
Jennifer Skog, Jennifer Skog Photography
Damask-printed tags on the favors pulled the whole theme together.
Jennifer Skog, Jennifer Skog Photography
Email this| Posted Jan 28th 2010 at 3:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Celebrity News, Gifts + Shopping
By Laura Vogel
Ah, the life of a superstar -- they have millions in the bank and can buy whatever their little hearts desire; designers and luxury-goods companies are always "gifting" them with high-end couture, jewelry, spa visits, fancy gadgets... the works. So, when a celebrity's birthday rolls around, it must be tough for their loved ones to find a present that will compete. But as the following will show, somehow they find a way. Herewith, the ten most over-the-top, truly decadent celebrity birthday presents.
SILLY LOVE SONG
Sadly, though their romance didn't last through the year, Jennifer Aniston got a priceless gift from ex John Mayer for her 40th this past February 11: a song written just for her. According to People, the pop stud serenaded Jen with his from-the-heart present during her milestone-birthday celebration.
Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage
JESS MAKES A SPLASH
Lately, Jessica Simpson has been getting some flack for living large (we blame those unflattering "mom jeans"). But when it came to picking out a present for her beau Tony Romo's April 21 birthday, Simpson knew bigger definitely was better. As the National Enquirer reported, Jess wanted to make a splash with her thrill-seeking boyfriend, so she bought him a top-of-the-line speedboat and had it delivered to his Dallas home during an impromptu birthday party. Simpson splurged and spent $100,000 on a 25-foot Malibu Wakesetter -- all custom, naturally. The 450-horsepower engine means that the Dallas Cowboys QB can literally run circles around any other skippers in the nearby Texas lakes.
Chris Wolf, FilmMagic
ONE SWEET RIDE
In 2006, when Beyoncé Knowles turned a mere 25, she was already a superstar and the apple of Jay-Z's eye. So how do you impress the most bootylicious girl on the planet? With a super-cool ride, of course! Knowles's then-boyfriend gave her a sleek, black 1959 Rolls Royce convertible with a $1 million price tag.
Bauer-Griffin
BRITNEY BESTOWS BLING
Though he's no longer her legally wedded spouse, Kevin Federline will always be Britney Spears's baby-daddy. And, for his 30th birthday last year, she gave him a $150,000 diamond watch to show how much she still cares. The bling, from Jacob & Co., features a total diamond weight of 71.36 carats, including 329 baguette and 5 rose-cut diamonds on the face. Maybe she figured this gift would ensure he'd never be late in dropping off little Sean Preston and Jaden James again!
Vince Bucci, Getty Images
WHAT A GUY!
Though it didn't save their faltering marriage, according to Britain's Daily Mail, Guy Ritchie went all out for Madonna's 50th birthday this past August. In addition to throwing her a lavish bash in London, he commissioned a "Madonna" breed of rose, edited a 45-minute film of the couple and their children, and... the icing on the cake? He presented her with a custom-made Bulgari necklace-and-earrings set that cost a cool half a million dollars.
Bauer-Griffin
GUILTY GEMS
Pop superstar Rihanna turned 21 on February 20th this year, but the occasion was not as joyous as it could have been. Earlier that same month, her then-boyfriend Chris Brown allegedly beat her during an argument after a pre-Grammy party in Hollywood. According to The New York Daily News, Brown then tried to win her back, sending pricey bling in the form of a diamond necklace and bracelet, to her low-key party birthday party at a private home in the Hollywood Hills. Fortunately for the radiant young singer, she's so far resisted his attempts to buy back her love!
X17online
ROCK-N-ROLL RIDER
Last year, Joe Jonas (the middle one) turned 19 and got a gift that teen boys around America only dream about: A brand-new motorcycle with a sidecar. He told Radio Disney, "I'm pumped!" when he saw his hot new ride. Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Jonas made sure that Joe's presents also included high-quality helmets for the lucky driver (and his even luckier passenger!).
Peter Kramer, AP
THE BIG O
We all know Oprah is generous. And we all know she loves her BFF Gayle King. And when those two forces collide -- on King's birthday, for example -- decadent-gift overload is a given. For Gayle's 50th birthday in 2004, Oprah gave her a custom dance floor for her home, according to Contactmusic.com. There was also a grand party at New York's swank restaurant Daniel, thrown by Winfrey, with a stellar guest list that included Chris Rock and Quincy Jones, natch.
Dimitrios Kambouris, WireImage
ROYAL RICHES
Britain's Prince William turned 25 in 2007 and, per the Associated Press, a huge present appeared in his bank account. Upon reaching a quarter-century, William received access to the interest from his inheritance from dearly departed mum, Princess Di. The interest alone is roughly $500,000 per year. He and his younger brother Harry have an incentive to age that the rest of us don't -- they will each receive access to their full inheritance upon turning 30.
Samir Hussein, WireImage
Email this| Posted Jan 27th 2010 at 1:00PM by Kristen Seymour
Filed under: Entertaining, Food + Libations
By Michelle Toglia
Remember when your mom got you a Fudgie the Whale cake for your birthday and you almost died of delight? What you didn't know was that there are some pretty crazy cakes out there that swim laps around old Fudgie. From Raggedy Anne to SPAM, take a bite out of these truly bizarre birthday cakes.
For instance, this Chinese take-out box, complete with chopsticks and fortune cookies had us completely fooled! Rick Reichart of cakelava designed this cake for a 60th birthday celebration for a woman who was born in the Chinese zodiac year of the ox. All components of the cake were edible and handcrafted. As appetizing as it looks, we hope she refrained from using soy sauce.
Puff Pastry
One cigar aficionado received the cake of his dream on his 60th birthday. Designed by
Anne Heap of Pink Cake Box, this humidor cake included cigars, a temperature meter, brass handles and a lock. If that wasn't sweet enough, several sugary accessories came alongside the humidor, including a Zippo lighter, clippers and an ashtray.
Doggie Treat
What dog lover wouldn't want to get their paws on this cake? This sculpted bulldog birthday cake was made by Rick Reichart of cakelava as a gift for a special dog owner.
Read it and Eat
Ever love a book so much that you wanted to...eat it? Rick Reichart of cakelava made this "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows cake", made for a huge fan of the series. We hope he used the handcrafted magic wand wisely!
Let the Games Begin!
Don't try plugging this Xbox in -- this is entirely cake! Vikki Sgro-Konopka of Sunshine's Cake Creations included LED light in the controller and in the Xbox power button to make the cake look just like the video game system. This is one game everyone can play!
Chew on This
Rick Reichart of cakelava sculpted this detailed Copenhagen tobacco can in a Peanut Butter Fudge flavor for a man who loves his chew. Warning label included.
"Sam am I, I am Sam"
Anne Heap of Pink Cake Box created this 5-tier, Dr Seuss-inspired cake for a birthday girl named Sam. Each tier was decorated with her interests, including a passport, ice skates and ballet slippers. Curly fondant decorations and large flowers filled out the separators.
Tastes Like Money
One birthday boy wished for a barrel of money on his birthday -- and he got it! Anne Heap of Pink Cake Box made the ultra-sweet fifties out of sugar with edible images. The brown barrel was covered in fondant and airbrushed.
The Charm City Cakes staff is at it again! This time with a life size Ducati Street fighter cake. The Food Network stars created this masterpiece, complete with working exhaust pipes, for GoDaddy CEO Bob Parsons.
This cake and several hundreds more are featured in Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes.
Let There Be Cake
Precious antique or delicious birthday cake? With scripture passages from Genesis and an Adam and Eve scene painted across the globe, we had a hard time believing this was a cake! The birthday boy's name was written in Old English and gilded with gold, while a 3D snake spiraled up from the base and wrapped around the sugary vines.To top it off, Anne Heap of Pink Cake Box, included a motor which spins the globe on the Sir Edward Burne-Jones-inspired cake.
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