Camping Cake

 

 

A friend of mine is going to be quite surprised to get this cake tonight at her birthday party.  A group of girls are getting together to help her celebrate at the local Bistro in town.  When I first thought about this cake I was going to do Tulips or flowers for a woman.  But that didn't seem to sit well and I couldn't come up with a design.

 
 

One thing I have learned about cake making is that the cake is most appreciated when it reflects something about the person.  They appreciate it so much more and it suddenly becomes a memorable and special cake. This is a homemade chocolate cake that you can find the recipe by clicking on the link. The chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is below.

 

My friend loves the out of doors and camps a lot when the weather permits.  She also takes her beagle with her.  I tried my hand at making a dog and realized it was a terrible failure.  I went on line and found a tutorial on making gum paste dogs.  I watched it once at night when I was in bed and I could hardly wait to get up and make the dog.  This dog was hard because of the size.  He is very small and he doesn't look much like a beagle, however he is cute and makes the statement about my friend.

 

I like to have my cakes look good from all sides and I need to show this picture and her ponytail so you would know this is a girl!!!

 

I love the fire pit.  I used some gold sprinkles for "coals" and fondant for flame.  The marshmallows are fondant on match sticks.

Chocolate Frosting

1 stick butter (1/2 cup) melted

2/3 cup cocoa powder

3 cups powdered sugar (confectioner's sugar)

1/2 cup half and half

1 teaspoon good vanilla

Melt butter.  Stir in cocoa.  Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating on medium speed to spreading consistency.  Add more half and half if needed.  Stir in vanilla.  Makes about 2 cups.

I let the beater really work on it for at least five minutes.  Makes it really glossy and spreads well.