Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Ooooo, Shiny!

  Do you ever want to make a new flavor cupcake, you go online to find the perfect flavor for you and you see the pictures of this beautiful cupcake with the super dark and shiny chocolate frosting  You think, ya right, that's not going to happen.  Mine never turn out that good.

It is time to learn to make a beautiful shiny frosting.  It really is very simple.  It dose take a little time so if you are crunched for time you might want to save this project for another time.

  I have made a pistachio cupcake with a whipped cream cheese filling and super shiny fudge frosting!

 So here we go.

  One of the keys to shiny chocolate frosting are a few key ingredients, corn syrup and butter!  They help the chocolate keep it's sheen.  

Shiny Chocolate Fudge Frosting
12 oz. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate
1   C.  Heavy Cream
3. Tbs Corn Syrup
5. Tbs Butter (cold and cubed)

Instructions:
1. In a small pot heat up the corn syrup and cream until boiling,stir constantly to keep the cream from scotching, then remove from heat.

2. Place your chopped chocolate into a bowl and pour the hot cream over the top and add the vanilla.  Let sit for a minute or so then stir, starting in the center of the bowl slowly making circular strokes, moving out to the edges.
                                                         
3. When chocolate is melted and completely incorporated it will be shiny.  Then slowly add butter pieces a few at a time, letting melt, then adding more until all the butter is incorporated.  At this point it is perfect for glazing, simply place your cake on a wire rack over a sheet pan and pour it over the cake.  Or dip your cupcake tops and let set.


4. Place chocolate in the fridge if it is warm or on the counter if it is a mildly cool day.  Let set and check on it until you stir it and it holds it's shape.  At this point it is ready to use in a piping bag to frost your cupcakes or to decorate cake.  
                                            

 You also can take the cooled frosting and  using a mixer and whip it up for a lighter texture and color.  Any of these methods are great and so versatile. Used to glaze yummies, shiny frosting or whipped up for a fluffy frosting.  Get yourself into that kitchen and start cooking!  

You can do it!
                                                                                                  
Pistachio Cupcakes
24 cupcakes
Ingredients:
2 ¼ cups cake flour
1 Tb. baking powder
¾ tsp. salt
1 ¼ cup half and half
4 egg whites
1 stick butter, room temperature (1/2 cup)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp. pistachio (or almond) extract
1 cup ground pistachios
Green food coloring if desired



Preheat the oven to 325 degree F. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together and set aside. Whisk the half/half and eggs together in a separate bowl and set aside.
In an electric mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the extracts and mix well. Alternate adding the dry mixture and the wet mixture into the sugar mix, until all are combined. Stir in the ground pistachios and 1-2 drops food coloring.
Fill cupcake liner 2/3 full and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.
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Whipped Cream Cheese Filling
Ingredients:
4 oz.    cream cheese, softened but still cool
1/2 c.  powdered sugar
3/4 c.  heavy cream (use the ultra heavy 40%+ cream if you can find it)
1 tsp     vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Sift the powdered sugar and add the cream cheese and vanilla to the bowl of your mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat them thoroughly until fluffy and completely smooth/lump free. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream to nearly stiff peaks, then add the whipped cream into the cheese mixture, scrape down the sides of your bowl and quickly and briefly beat to combine. Do not over beat. 
                                                   







Super Saturday

Sometimes in my crazy life in the midst of all the pretty cakes, I need an outlet of creativity of a different kind.

  I love making home decor for holidays and have a long history in the arts and as such I have been given a calling in my church, to be the activities chair, this give me the opportunity to plan and put on fun activities.  

  This month my committee and I have decided we would have a super Saturday. This activity is when woman get together and do all kinds of crafts.  The committee gathered last night and put together some really cute crafts for each of the next few holidays.  This is so we can take them with us to church to display, giving woman an opportunity to choose their crafts.  

We will collect all the supplies and have a great time creating with others on this Super Saturday!  We are very lucky here in Utah to have a great inexpensive source for these great supplies.  The Wood Connection.

You can buy the pre-cut wood and create your own style craft or you can buy their kit and make it look just like theirs.  



It;'s time for those holiday fun crafts. This is a creative process that is generational in my own family. Mom, sister, aunts and cousins with a few friends traditionally have one time a year we gather, laugh, talk and create (eat).We have such fun seeing each different end creation. It's amazing how different each is.

Make a tradition in your own circles. It can be a wonderfully joyful memory. Make sure to take pictures. They are precious.

You know when an event is successful when people leave with a smile and a bit of excitement from creating something they have never tried.

Thanks For Visiting.
Darcy
(385)209-8249
http://www.silverspooncake.com/
silverspooncake@gmail.com


Saturday, August 9, 2014

A Summer Sunflower Wedding

A Sunny Summer Wedding with Chef Darcy of Silver Spoon Cakes.

A tall four tiered cake is embellished with hand colored crystal rock candy and sunny summer sunflowers.

Each layer is a different flavor and has a different filling:
Lemon cake with fresh strawberry filling, 
cinnamon spice cake with cinnamon whipped cream filling,
peach cake with lemon curd filling 
vanilla bean cake with fresh raspberry and fudge filling. 
Whew.....

Thanks to Issac and Sara. May your life together be as varied and sweet. Darcy



Friday, August 1, 2014

The Sweet Taste of Pink with Silver Spoon Cake

 As an artist it is always a privilege and challenge to create a one-of-a-kind cake for a special event.

I was excited to work with Brian and Michelle on their wedding cake. And it is especially wonderful when you have the opportunity to work with very nice people. And have fun too.

This cake was so lovely I have actually made it my blog icon picture.

Thanks Brian and Michelle.
Darcy Jackson
Silver Spoon Cakes Salt Lake Valley Utah


Brian and Michelle's Review of their custom cake.

When we met with the director of the reception center, she gave us a couple of options for bakers that she uses for her guests’ wedding cakes. She warned us, however, that wedding cakes are baked not for taste but for aesthetic appeal. 

Wedding cakes are baked differently for structure and designed for visual appeal and the taste will be flat. We left a little disappointed thinking our wedding cake will be tasteless. We had hoped our wedding cake would be a highlight of our wedding: not only how it looks but how it tastes. 

Well, through a mutual friend, we met Darcy. We emailed and talked on the phone discussing flavors and wedding cake ideas. We had a couple of flavors we wanted and asked for her suggestions. She was fantastic and easy to work with. Whatever flavor we wanted, she could do and then she had some tasty combinations of cake and icing which she suggested. We were thrilled with the combinations we came up with and she set up a cake-tasting party. She baked mini-cupcakes in all the flavors we wanted to try, and she had bowls of different filling and icing flavors. 

We completely enjoyed the afternoon: frosting cupcakes with different flavors and jotting down our best combinations. We came away from the cake tasting absolutely excited and completely confident our cake was going to be delicious. 

Our hopes for a memorable wedding cake were completely fulfilled. The director of the reception center couldn't believe how fantastic the cake looked and (more importantly) tasted! As we walked from table to table talking to our guests, everyone one of them complimented us on our wedding cake. 

The cake was moist and the butter cream icing was delicious. Our flavor combinations were the following: coconut cake with chocolate ganache filling, peach cake with lemon filling, chocolate cake with salted caramel filling.

We highly recommend Darcy for any special occasion you have. She is an amazing chef and baker. Her pricing is very affordable, and her product is heads and tails above the rest.

Michelle and Brian 
Salt Lake Valley, Utah
 Chef Darcy at Silver Spoon Catering

Thanks For Visiting.
Darcy
(385)209-8249

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Rocking the rocks!

Coloring Rock Candy
I am getting started on my next project, and boy I didn't think it would be as difficult as it has been.  

I have been commissioned to create a wedding cake with rock candy as it decoration.  In turquoise of all colors, I was thinking no big deal, I'll get online and search for turquoise rock candy, buy a box and be ready to put the cake together!  NOPe!  Nothing is ever that simple. 

First of all I found out turquoise rock candy does not exists, and it's not easy to find the clear stuff in stock anywhere. So I first needed to figure out if I could dye it myself, my first success!  It is dyeable. Second to find 5-10 pounds of white rock candy, online out of stock everywhere and 5 stores later I was able to get 1 box.  Yep, 1, 5 lb box in all of Salt Lake valley.  

Now that I have the candy it is time to show you how to dye it.  It's not rocket science I promise.  My 5 and 6 year old helped me do it.  

Start with taking the candy off its strings and smash it up to the size you need for your project.
Place your rock candy in a zip top bag and put a small, very small dot of paste food color of your choice in the bag and shake the candy.  Add more color until you reach the desired shade.  
I did three seperate different batches because I wanted a more variegated look.  It's a nice look with some contrast of color.  

It was a fun project.  So get out there and try something you might think is not possible. You might surprise yourself! 

Thanks For Visiting.
Darcy

(385)209-8249


Monday, April 14, 2014

Salt Lake Valley Chef Darcy's Customized Cooking Parties.

How Fun! Darcy is specializing in custom themes cooking parties for individual occasions.

Darcy does all the planning, and the shopping, She will create your special event. Coming to your kitchen she will teach a group or several couples how to create and then enjoy an evening of delightful culinary creations.


Whether it is a children's birthday party with hands-on creative pizzas or a beautifully set dinner and learning with a couples evening. How about a seniors graduation party. Let your guests entertain themselves with learning and enjoying a new food creation.


Your guests will receive an old-fashioned paperbag invitation, festooned with ribbons and party goodies to bring to your party. It's a win before they even arrive. 





Your occasion will be remembered as a treat and something very special.


Have Darcy plan your next amazing occasion.


Thanks For Visiting.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Old Fashioned and Cupcake Friendly

Old Fashioned and Cupcake Friendly


Memories can be funny things. My memories of childhood include a crazy, always creating artist mother and a stand your ground dad. My brothers, sister and I were tasked with learning to cook, do laundry, make beds and home tasks beginning at the ages of seven.  I actually remember earlier than that. We had fun though! Through german pancakes with over a cup of salt and cookies with salt instead of sugar, ooh the mistakes we made. But we did make it through with a good working knowledge of how to boil a great egg, able to sew a button,  and make a bed and so much more. More knowledge was being taught than in most homes. Our parents were teaching self-reliance.  Little did we know at the time  they had a purpose, which was thought through and made a priority.

I have people ask, as do other family members "wow. How do you know all this stuff?' "Just learned I guess."  I'm always puzzled by this question. It has taken me years to discover not all people think like I do. We were taught, if we hanker or want something, figure it out and make it yourself, if you can. These skills will support you through your entire life. And they have.

Artists/creative minds work differently than analytical minds. And it is very difficult to explain why we do what we do. Maybe it's just the simple creative process which brings us joy. We will never be wealthy, but we sure will share pleasure and the creative ends with everybody who is interested. 

I am a Chef. I know how to keep a home. I am creative. And all this is because I was taught basic principles. and then (by choice) ran with it...

Well this has become a little preachy and I really didn't mean it too. And just think it all started with Cupcakes Three Ways. Who would have thought?

It started with a class. Teaching basic cupcakes and how to make them amazing. Blog: Cupcakes Three Ways.

So this is just a chaser from that blog. The class went amazing. and to spice it up My mom suggested I dress and do the hair and nails the whole bit in 1940's style. Mom sends me cute old fashioned aprons a couple times a year and it has become a bit of a compulsion on her part.( and mine too). They were the inspiration for this fun class. It's always fun to teach to a willing audience and this particular class was superb.

I wanted it to be fun and a little bit surprising. So ergo the hair, dress, handkerchief and apron. I have decided that if I can't have fun, why bother?




Can you believe it. Even the cupcake liners are cute.
Make fun all you want. It was a blast. Don't even bother trying to figure out the creative mind. It will never happen. Just as you think you've got it all figured out, they go and change on you.

Thanks for visiting and sharing this with me. That's the whole point. Share and create...Make life a more fun and joyful journey.

Darcy
 Chef Darcy at Silver Spoon Catering

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Captivating Cake


 There is one thing in the culinary world that will always be true. You never stop learning and growing as a culinary artist.  And that is exactly what it is, an Art.  Especially when it comes to cake.  There are so many possibilities and mediums you can work with, butter cream, fondant, gum past, pulled sugar. 

For this post I am highlighting the beautiful work of a close friend.  She is not a culinary artist, but she is an artist for sure!  Her work is beautiful and inspiring.  She motivates me to be more daring, to reach a little further in my passion.  So for this I thank you Acacia Tanner.
  So the project we worked on was a trade, she wanted to learn the art of baking a cake as well as putting it together and frosting, and in return without her knowledge I learned her painting technique.  She wanted to decorate this cake like a painting, but use the frosting as the paint.

 First she smeared "paint" frosting on her pallet then began  to dip her brush in gel food coloring then into the frosting, mixing the color she desired,


  She then began to apply her colors to the cake almost like a stucco.  she layered the colors starting with the darkest of shades and building up from there, lighter and lighter.



   Here, she is tinting the frosting and adding it in layers to the base frosted cake, using the frosting on the cake and picking up her colored frosting and creating texture and movement.

 

  This masterpiece cake begins to take on the life from which it was inspired, starting to look more and more like the famous "Water Lilies" by Monet.
                  
                        
  I was fascinated to watch this artist at work and if you know me, you know I have many talents, but painting is not one I have yet to acquirer.  But after watching this masterpiece take life, it inspires me to take that leap into the darkness and try something new.  And what an asset it would be to my portfolio of skills. My mom is an artist so this shouldn't be such a leap. I just need inspiration like Acacia watercolor cake.
Have an adventure. Try something new and get out of your comfort zone.
See ya next time. Darcy  Chef Darcy at Silver Spoon Catering

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Cupcakes 3 Ways

 A Cupcake Three Way


I am sure everyone loves a chocolate cupcake, and I think we all should have a great chocolate cake recipe. This recipe can be adjusted for many cupcake variations.  Today I will give you the cake recipe and 3 variations your family is sure to love.

                         Chocolate Cake
Makes: 24 Cupcakes                            Time: 1 Hour

2 Cups    All-Purpose Flour
2 Cups    Sugar
¾ Cups   Cocoa Powder (sifted)
1 ½ tsp    Baking Soda
1 ½ tsp    Baking Powder
½ tsp       Salt
2             Whole Eggs
1 Cup      Milk
½ Cup     Oil
2 tsp        Vanilla
1 Cup      Boiling Water
Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F 
2.  In a mixing bowl sift together the dry ingredients, flour, baking soda and powder, salt and cocoa
3.  In another bowl mix together the wet ingredients, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, oil and boiling water.   
4.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry in the mixing bowl and mix with an electric mixer just until combined and most of the lumps are gone. (This will be a runny batter) 
5.  Scoop batter into lined cupcake tins and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 15 min.  or until toothpick comes out clean.

Variation 1                              Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes
  

Makes 24 Cupcakes                                   Time : 1 hour 30 minutes

1 batch       Chocolate Cake batter
4 Cups        Cheese Cake batter
24              Maraschino Cherries (no stems)
24              Maraschino Cherries (with stems)
2 Cups        Chocolate chips (your Choice)
1 Cup         Heavy Creams
4 Cups        Cream Cheese Icing

Cheese Cake filling
16 oz         Cream Cheese (soft)
¾ Cup        Sugar
2               Whole Eggs
¼ tsp          Salt
1 tsp          Vanilla
Directions: 
1.  Beat together the cream cheese, sugar and salt.     
2. Add eggs 1 at a time, and finish with vanilla, set aside.

Cream Cheese Frosting
16 oz                       Cream Cheese (soft)
1 Stick                     Butter (soft)
1 LB                       Powdered Sugar
¼ Cup                    Milk
1 tsp                        Vanilla
Directions:
1. Cream together the cheese and butter 
2.  Add vanilla and powdered sugar and mix.
3.  Slowly add milk until it is the consistency you like.

Dipped Cherries 
1.  Melt chocolate chips on a double boiler with cream until smooth and all melted
2.  Drain cherries with the stems and pat dry with a paper towel.
3.  Place a sheet of parchment or wax paper on a sheet tray.
4.  Dip each cherry half way up and place on tray to set.

Cupcake Assembly 
1.  In a lined pan put a spoon full of cake batter, then a TBS of Cheese Cake filling and place a drained cherry with no stem in the middle of the filling then top with more cake batter.  Just enough to fill cupcake tin 2/3 full.
2.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. (do not over bake)
3.  After cupcakes have cooled completely, remove liner and dip bottoms in melted chocolate and set on tray with cherries to set.
4.  While cupcake is setting frost with Cream Cheese Icing, and place a dipped cherry on top. Then place cupcake in a new liner.

Variation 2                                 Chocolate Mint High Hat Cupcake


Makes: 24 Cupcakes                            Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

1 Batch                    Chocolate Cake Batter
6 Cups                     Whipped Mint Frosting
24                            Andies mints (broken in half)
1 Cup                      Semi Sweet Chips
1 Cup                      Milk Chocolate Chips
3 TBS                     Coconut Oil

 Whipped Mint Frosting
1 ½ Cups                Butter (soft)
2/3 Cup                  Shortening
1 Lb                        Powdered Sugar
TT                          Peppermint Extract
1/8 tsp                     Salt

Cupcake Assembly: 
1.  Fill cupcake line with batter half way, add an andies mint piece then add more batter until tin is   2/3 full.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 min. or until toothpick comes out clean
2.  When cupcake is completely cooled frost with mint butter cream and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
3.  While the frosting is setting on the cupcake in the fridge, melt the chocolate chips with coconut      oil in a double boiler.      
4.  When all melted remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5.  When frosting is set dip the tops of each cupcake in the melted chocolate and place the other  andies mint half on top and let set in ridge.

Variation 3                                                    Smores Cupcake

Makes 24 Cupcakes             Time:1 hour 20 min.

1 Batch                   Chocolate Cake Batter
1 Batch                   Graham Cracker Crust
6 Cups                    Marshmallow Frosting
12                            Small Graham Squares
2                              Hershey Bars (segmented and cut in half)

Graham Cracker Crust
1 ½ Cup                 Graham Cracker Crumbs (about 20 Squares)
1/3 Cup                  Melted Butter
¼ Cup                     Sugar
Directions:
1.  Stir together Grahams and sugar
2.  Add melted Butter and mix.
 
Marshmallow Frosting
8 Lg                         Egg Whites
2 Cups                     Sugar
½ tsp                        Cream of Tarter
2 tsp                         Vanilla 

1. Place egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set over saucepan with simmering water. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and whites are warm to the touch, 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Transfer bowl to electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and beat, starting on low speed, gradually increasing to high, until stiff, glossy peaks form, 5 to 7 minutes. Add vanilla, and mix until combined. Use immediately.

Cupcake Assembly 
1.  Place 1 tablespoon graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each prepared muffin cup. Use the bottom of a small glass to pack crumbs into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Reserve remaining graham cracker mixture for topping.
2.  Transfer muffin tins to oven and bake until the edges of the graham cracker mixture is golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and fill each muffin cup three-quarters full with cake batter. Sprinkle each with remaining graham cracker mixture. Return to oven and bake, rotating pans halfway through baking, until tops are firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer muffin tins to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan and let cool completely.
3.  Transfer frosting to a large pastry bag fitted with a large plain round or French tip. Pipe frosting in a spiral motion on each cupcake. Transfer cupcakes to a baking sheet. Using a kitchen torch or the broiler of your oven lightly brown the frosting, taking care not to burn the cupcake liners.
4.  Decorate with a graham square and a chocolate square
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Thanks For Visiting.
Darcy
(385)209-8249