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| Pumpkin cake batter, ready to go! |
Today is the day I start my daughter Tricia's wedding cake. She and Jeff are getting married in 4 days, at a beautiful setting on Brant Lake, this Sunday. We have a plan for the cake, and this afternoon I picked up the silver base that will proudly display tiers of baked happiness. The cake will consist of layer upon layer of alternating dark chocolate and pumpkin cakes, joined together in cinnamon buttercream, all enrobed in a layer of fondant dressed as birch bark. There will be fondant acorns and fall-colored leaves, and the monogram "A" for Ayers on top, made of twig and wire.
The players are all in place, waiting for their call. There's mashed pumpkin, autumn spices, Ghiradelli chocolate, butter, eggs, sour cream. There's pure vanilla extract, and baking powder, and fine white sugar. There's love and hope and optimism that this cake will reflect not only my love for my youngest child and her new husband, but also their love for each other and optimism for the future.
I am so honored.
Sounds simply delicious. Can't wait to taste it! Lynnie
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Lynnie - I'm giving it all I've got!
DeleteYour loving hands will surely yield the most precious and delicious wedding cake. Tricia and Jeff are so blessed to have such love around them. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry I missed you before I left today - thank you for the beautiful fb message, and thank you for this comment. You have a way with words, little one! xoxox
DeleteThis sounds perfect Jeannie! SHe is lucky to have such a talented and creative mom. I can't wait to see the pictures of this . . . and the wedding too of course.
ReplyDeleteMelanie - I'll never forget YOUR wedding cake (on birch posts!) and how I had to reconstruct it after the frosting melted off the cake when my car overheated on the on my ride over to your beautiful wedding in Vermont. We recovered (group effort!) and I was so fortunate to be there when you and Nick exhanged vows at sunset on that beautiful lake. Such a great wedding! Thanks so much for writing. Love - Jeannie
DeleteCan't wait to see the pictures as you whip up another awesome cake. Such a special occasion for you to use your talents on!
ReplyDeleteNancy, I'll start posting pictures on facebook as it takes shape. Very happy to share with you! If there's any left, I'll bring you home a slice!
DeleteWhat Mellie said!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, my wonderful friend! xoxox
DeleteJeannie, I can't wait to see Tricia's cake in progress as well as the finished product! Everyone is right, you are most talented in your baking, but a most loving and caring mom and friend to all of us who know you. Have a wonderful time next weekend and please, don't forget to stop and take a look around at all your friends and family enjoying this special day together in one place. Hugs, Annie
ReplyDeleteAnnie, thank you so much. I will take that advice to stop and notice. It will be a day to experience, not one to get through. I want time up to go very slowly over the next four days! (and, sunshine, please push those rainy forecasts away!!!)
DeleteAs I read this post, I am in awe of a mother who can bake her own daughter's wedding cake -- what a gift! And I am grateful that your baking talents graced our son's wedding weekend now five years ago. We still talk about those pineapple upside-down cakes! Happy wedding cake making, Jeannie, and warm wishes for a delightful, memorable weekend that you and all of your family will cherish for years to come. Cheers...crh
ReplyDeleteThank you Chris. I am surprisingly un-stressed with this project. I just know it's going to come out well. And thanks, too, for your kind words about the little cakes I made for your son's rehearsal dinner 5 years ago (!) seems impossible! Now you have a beautiful little granddaughter and all is right with the world! Congrats on such good things!
DeleteSoooo exciting! I cannot wait to hear all about the big day! I am sure the cake will be beautiful and oh so delicious!! Best of luck with the final preparations this week - thinking of you all!!
ReplyDeleteOh Colleen, I think of your upcoming wedding all the time, knowing that it is right around the corner. Thanks for writing, and best of happy days leading up to your wedding (and beyond!).
Deletexox
Hope the entire day is perfect!! Souns as though it is well on its way!! Fun to see you on facebook..hope to see you in person again someday soon!! Lorraine
ReplyDeleteLorraine, I am so happy to have run into you recently. I heard that voice, turned around, and there you were! The best lamaze coach any woman ever had (more than once!). Thanks so much, and I know we won't lose touch again. You have had a powerful impact on my life, and I thank you!
DeleteAs the mother of a bride who chose you to bake the most important cake of her life, I am a bit jealous that you have the opportunity and absolute joy to bake the most important cake of your daughter’s life.
ReplyDeleteCherish the honor of trusting the wedding cake to “Mom” and revel in the opportunity to be such an important part of her life in many more ways than just being Mom.
Judy, I was SO much more nervous making Melissa's cake than I am for this one. It was my first real "Casino reception" cake, and I wanted it to be perfect. You all made me feel as though it was. I am cherishing this time and role in my daughter's life and wedding, and with my whole family, and so appreciate your perspective and kind words. You're a terrific friend!
DeleteCherish every second of this special week and weekend. Enjoy and relax . I know this cake will be awesome ,made with love and caring...what more could you as for.
ReplyDeleteC.June
Thank so much Cindy! I will do my best to relax and enjoy these days. I hope the wedding days is long and lingering, and that I can capture the memories as they happen. It was great sharing our 40th HS reunion with you last week (and hanging out afterwards). Appreciate your support, and frequent visit to this blog, and look forward to spending more time soon. :)
DeleteEnjoy Jeannie. I'm sure this cake will be the most amazing cake that's ever come out of your kitchen because it will be filled with so much love. Can't wait to see pictures. Lots of Love to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Joanne. I hope you're right! It seems to be off to a good start! YOUR kitchen is one, as well, that is filled with warmth, welcome, and love, and I look forward to hanging out with you there (and here) over and over again! Thank you, my friend. (Now, about that Pinterest addiction!)...
DeleteOK Jeannie, your sweet, loving words made me cry. What a wonderful gift you are bringing to the table! You have an opportunity that most of us could never even imagine. Not only will you share the joy of the day, but you'll actually bake the cake of Dish's dreams. This is so much more than a cake...even more than a wedding cake. It is all of your hopes and dreams and love wrapped up for your baby girl in chocolate and pumpkin and buttercream. Trish is a very lucky daughter (which she well knows)and you are a loving and blessed Mom! Our love and best wishes to everyone on this very special day <3.
ReplyDeleteDi
Once again, YOUR words make ME cry (happy tears!)... I am sorry you and Bob can't make it to the wedding, but your best wishes will be noticeably present. I will take many photos and share the day with you, you can be sure! You're right, I am a blessed Mom, in so many ways. I learned from the best (more tears!)... Thanks so much, as always...
DeleteJeannie, this cake will be created from the initial steps to the final placement of a fondant acorn by a mom with such love in her heart! This will be such a memory for both you and Tricia for years to come. It truly is special....my mom created my wedding cake 25 years ago - modeled after a Martha Stewart cake the included the swiss dot that was on my wedding dress. Still remember that cake, and the love that went with it, to this day.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy everything over these next days....much love to you!
Kim
Kim, your mother knew exactly the emotions and responsibility I am feeling at this very moment, and you knew the appreciation and gratitude that my daughter Tricia has expressed. I love your story. It inspires me to make this cake even more personal and individual for Tricia and Jeff. Thanks so much for your comment. I am so glad you chose to "follow" my blog, and me!
Deletexoxox
Can't wait to see the pic of this beautiful cake for such a wonderful occasion. I think you should plan one for our next reunion or at least be thinking about it for our 50th!!. I'll be in touch.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to your family,
Gwen Steans
Gwen, I will be so happy to post pictures once this cake is complete and in place! And I think you're right, our next reunion deserves a cake of its own. Thanks so much for your comment! Love, Jeannie
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