Cookie Pops, Anyone?

Just trying out a few new items for the dessert shop!!!

Introducing Our 1st "Lovely Little Cupcake"!!!

Introducing....Miss Alexandra Sinclair!!! CakebyClaudette's 1st Brand Model!!!

Alexandra is 7 years old and as sweet as the cookies she's holding. She represents the brand because of her sparkling personality, quick wit, adorable charm and a love for ALL THINGS SWEET!!! Look for her on upcoming promotional pieces circulating throughout Atlanta. You'll be able to meet Alexandra at our grand opening...to be announced soon!!!

Hotter Than The 4th of July!!!

I've almost neglected my responsibility of updating my blog monthly. This month has been full of transitions for me...2 lunar eclipses, 1 full moon, 1 crazy Yorkshire Terrier in need of medication, 1 crazy mechanic that needs some fixing himself and a brand new job in a brand new city. I'm in the final stages of negotiating a home for my business. It's narrowed down to two great locations, either of which I would be happy with. I'm happy, tired, losing weight (in a good way), energized and getting the best sleep in my life. My "radar" is supercharged and my ability to assess people and situations is scary dead on. I can only believe this is another page turner in the chapter of the book of my life. I haven't baked anything in almost 3 weeks and I miss creating desserts. I hope to have a test kitchen set up soon so I can get started! Enough for now. Ciao!

E. Guittard Chocolate

I'm preparing a ganache for a special miniature cake. Stay tuned...

Wedding Bells are Ringing...

Congratulations to William and Takesha...who are getting married in August. I am honored to design and create their wedding cake. Upon the initial consultation, Kesha announced she wanted something different and to "make it funky"!!! She gave me her thoughts, colors and ideas and we've come up with something as unique and wonderful as she is.

No photos to post yet...however, there will be more to come. I am going to record the fondant preparation and post it for all to see. Stay tuned...

I've Been A Busy Butterfly...

More time has passed than I care to mention since I've last updated this. Upon the urgings of friends and family, I'm carving out a few minutes to explain my absence and post again. I was busy building my business when I received news that a close friend of 25 years suddenly passed away in her sleep. My shock and devastation were deep. It touched every aspect of my life and I withdrew. I mustered enough courage to board a train and meet up with my daughter - who drove me to her funeral services. It make me reflect on our close friendship, tradgedies and triumphs we've shared, and life experiences that made us who we are. I vowed not to let another day pass without reaching out to friends and telling them how much I love them. It's made me look at my friends and decide who was worthy and who chose to make me an option rather than a priority. (In case you haven't figured me out - I take my friendships VERY seriously - it's one of life's treasures). I'm back now...stronger than ever...and more committed to fulfilling my dream of my dessert shop. I've been busy with planning wedding cakes, bridal shower cookies, and real estate searches. My latest creation is for a customer who simply said.."I'd like some cupcakes that will make me smile". Here they are...enjoy!

Oh...and I'd like to dedicate this post to my friend Lillian Laverne Lewis aka "Cookie". Now you can rest.

Pounds of Fun with Pound Cake

This recipe belongs to my cousin Shay. I made miniature versions, drizzled with chocolate, strawberry and lemon frosting. The result is incredible - dense, thick cake with a light hint of sweetness from the icing. More to come.

Feeling Celestial...

I am having a supremely wonderful and productive day. I thought I would share that with my favorite celestial being - The Man in The Moon!!! Tee-hee!

Fabulous in February - 5th Annual Event

My family and I just celebrated our 5th Annual "Fabulous in February" bash. Lots of family, lots of fun. Relatives flew in from Chicago, Raleigh-Durham and drove in from the Jersey shore, Maryland and Virginia. Great food, beautiful flowers, fun games and of course...dessert!!! Check it out!

Heather P. - This is For You!!!

I was having a leisurely breakfast with my friend in Atlanta, when we struck up a conversation with our waitress. She had a lovely personality, pretty, great vibe and spirit. She was comfortable, mature, and funny. One thing led to another and I felt compelled to give her my business card, tell her of my upcoming plans for opening a business and asked her to take my card. Well, call it Karma, Kizmit, Good Vibrations, whatever - she had a degree from culinary school and knows pastry!!! Score!!! Heather...this is for you! I hope you remember me, keep my card and remember our conversation. I think you would be a perfect addition to my new shop and hope you'll be available when the time comes. I trust my instinct, and I KNOW you will be a perfect member of our team.

Cake By Cake. Indulge.

Today I looked at real estate and found a location that would be perfect for my shop. It is in an upscale part of town with tons of foot and food traffic, complementary shopping concepts and friendly people abound. I am so excited about the possibilities. I've enlisted the help of friends that have knowledge of real estate, contracts, planning, construction, blueprints and build out. I am preparing to launch...my own business. At last! I'm too excited to bake...imagine that!!! I can sense that my blog is now going to take on a whole new vibe with the challenges that lie ahead. A visit to my favorite local interior design store capped the entire day off with lots of goodies that will be in the shop as well. I even found a sign that speaks to my motto - INDULGE. I'm on my way!!!

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

Spent a wonderful day with friends - laughing, traveling, eating, drinking, site seeing and making big plans for the future.

Happy Birthday, Mother.

A Work in Progress

Loving my kitchen,

Loving to bake,

Loving these recipes,

Loving this cake.

With A Cherry On Top...

I continue to perfect and test recipes to create a delicious, quality dessert. This one is a definite winner. Genoise cake, topped with Swiss buttercream and topped with plump, juicy cherry - stem and all! These simply melt in your mouth with a light, sweet texture of cake, and a silky, creamy buttercream that glides across the palate. I'm thrilled to have enlisted the help of a fellow baker and friend to work with me in making this dream come to fruition. Another friend has agreed to offer her specialities for test marketing as well. This business is being directed by Divine Intervention. I'm on my way...

Winter Snow Storm December 2009

We had a white Christmas with just under 3 feet of snow. Here is a pretty scene straight from my personal Winter Wonderland - right outside of my solarium. Lovely.

A New Year Is Upon Us...

Here is wishing all the loved ones in my life happiness, good health, love and good fortune.