We've been blogged! - Twice!

I got two delightful emails yesterday saying that we'd been blogged! The first was from Memory Journalists (they are SO GOOD to me!). They did a little profile "run down" interview. Thanks gang... we love you too!

The next was from the always fabulous Beth Baugher of True Love Photo. Yes, she was MY wedding photographer, and yes, it was upon her urging that we officially started Sugar and Spice Specialty Desserts. So, of course we love her! This was an amazing home wedding that Lora Ward, with A Day To Remember coordinated. Ahhh, such beauty and SO MANY amazing details. I've already shared this cake with you, but Bethy got some lovely up close and personal shots too, plus I HAD to share a picture of this darling couple!

It's All About The Groom! - ABC Sacramento

Last week we did a cake for the local chapter of ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants). The theme of the night was... It's All About The Groom and WHAT FUN! I love getting a chance to meet new wedding planners (new as in I haven't worked with them yet!) and photographers.

Lora Ward of a Day To Remember Wedding Consultants asked me to make a Groom's cake using the theme as inspiration. (Take a look at her blog for more pictures of the event - coming later this week.) I did a little research and found an inspiration cake (I love doing research!) and just ran from there. Working with the theme, the cake was my favorite chocolate cake with "chocolate chip cookie dough filling" (brown sugar buttercream with mini chocolate chips). Delightful!

A HUGE thanks goes out to Carmen Salazar for taking these pictures.

Another Thank You goes out to the gang over at Aitiquite Maison Privee for hosting the event. You have to see the space, it would be an amazing venue for a mid-sized, intimate wedding.

Christmas Cookie Party!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

This is the time of year I like to take a little time off from tastings and events. Sometimes it happens, other times, well, not so much.

After going through cookbooks (hey, it's what gets me in the spirit!) I was inspired to have a Christmas cookie party. This was the first time I've incorporated all the different aspects of my life, but it was so nice to get friends, family and industry buddies together for food, drink and baking!

Thank you everyone who came! Fun was had by all!

Below are pictures so graciously taken by Shannon of Flourish! Thank you Shannon!

Butter Cookies and Puff Pastry Pinwheels (with Strawberry Jam)

Mi Mamma

Childhood friend Mindy (hadn't seen her in about 22 years!) and her hubby Chad.

Lora Ward of A Day to Remember makin' some nice Snickerdoodles for her daughter's b-friend. Yes, the totally inappropriate, but funny "Nice Balls!" comment was thrown around... along with the SNL references to Schwetty Balls. Too Too Funny!

The bridal bouquet pose... but with cookies!

Katie Baker of Adagio Events with dark and white chocolate dipped pretzels.

Part of the gang... Moi, Lynnette, Lora, Allison of Allison Stahl Photography, Marj of Stellasweet, with the beautiful peppermint pinwheel cookies that Mindy and Chad made.

Former intern, and new high school grad, Cearra (middle), and Brandy of Brandy Sommer Photography.

Don't you just LOVE Allison's shawl?

L & D: It's all in the {French} details

Elegant events are about the details, and this wedding had them in spades! The colors were sapphire blue and white, but there were fleur de lis details dotted throughout the wedding and reception.

As soon as the bride heard that there was a dessert bar option she got very excited. She was all about the chocolate.

The wedding cake was a clean lined and elegant chocolate cake with layers of vanilla bean buttercream and fresh strawberries. These beautiful tags were made by Stephanie J Designs... THIS is what I was saying about the details. So nice, elegant, and really appreciated.

I absolutely adored these chocolates. This is another example of the little details really shining! This is also a great example of how the extremely popular salted caramel tartlet was transformed into a salted caramel truffle.

Even the fruit tarts got special attention. The groom specifically chose the fruits to be used. I heard several comments from guests about how pretty these little guys were. All of the serving pieces were lined with cream paper that had gold fleur de lis' on them. So pretty.

A nice top down shot, that shows off the symmetry and the crème brûlée!

Thanks to Memory Journalists for the pictures and A Day to Remember for referring me. I really do like doing dessert bars, they are fun and challenging and really let me flex my creative muscles!

Mini Abstract Chocolate Sculpture/ Dessert Pedistal

Photo by: Siegel's Portraits

Pictured of some little place chocolate sculptures/dessert pedestals that I made for Wershing and Ward Eventeurs for their Chocolate Table that was entered into the tabletop design contest this past week at NACE's (National Association of Catering Executives) monthly meeting. This month was out at Wilson Vineyards and boy was it hot... so hot that the sculptures were starting to melt as soon as they were put out. This changed the look at bit... the little tartlet that is shown on the side was supposed to be on TOP of the sculpture... and the part that you don't see is that under the chocolate dome is another tartlet (kind of a hidden surprise). The tartlet was a salted caramel and chocolate tartlet with gold and silver leaf on top.

This is a great idea for an edible favor that can pull double duty as table decoration!


Enjoy!

Photos by: Jacqueline Photography

John and Katie - April 4, 2009

John and Katie made such a lovely couple. Their Disney themed wedding was beautiful, but understated in colors of yellow and blue and the barn at Wilson Vineyard couldn't have been more lovely!

Jordan (of Jordan's Portraits) took amazing pictures, I can't wait to work with him again in August! Lora Ward, of A Day to Remember, also orchestrated the event... it was seamless, not even a hiccup.

John and Katie went crazy! They had a small (6") wedding cake and a large dessert buffet. It was lovely and I can't wait to see more pictures... but here is a preview!

Happy Birthday to you....

Today is Lora Ward's, of A Day to Remember, birthday. Instead of a cake I made her a silly peanut butter egg tower. I know, I know, it sounds odd, and looks a little more odd, but she LOVES Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs, so I went with it.

Enjoy and drool!