Andy Warhol Cake

This was the first “artist cake” that I attempted during high school.  I had some issues and made everything to big, but my friend loved it.  This was a white cake with strawberry filling.

Brussels Sprouts Cake (Yup, that’s right…)

I got a request from a friend for a Brussels (Belgium) themed, brussel sprout cake.  This was one of the strangest orders I have gotten and I was definitely stumped at first.  I couldn’t think of any options that wouldn’t be disgusting and then it hit me; carrot cake.  I used my normal carrot cake recipe, which I love, and just substituted half of the carrot for grated sprouts.  It actually ended up tasting good!!  The cake had a slight brussely smell but I couldn’t taste the sprouts.  

For the Brussels themed chocolate piece I featured a map of Belgium, raw brussels sprouts and Charls Mingus (one of my friend’s favorite jazz artists), who died in Brussels.  I also grated Belgium chocolate over the border.

Super Mario Cake

This is a white cake with strawberry filling.  The 2D decorations are drawn in melted chocolate and the mushroom on top is rice crispy treats covered in fondant.

Matisse’s Jazz Cake

2 layer chocolate “Matisse’s Jazz cake” with buttercream filling. The top is hand drawn in melted chocolate

Alice in Wonderland Cake

2 layer white “Alice in Wonderland cake” with buttercream filling.  The top is hand drawn in melted chocolate.

School Pride Cakes

Lately I’ve been making a lot of cakes for various events in UCLA’s Social Welfare Department.  Any new social workers should check out my other blog: Creative Clinical Social Worker

Africa Cake

I made this cake for a good friend of mine I met in my MSW program at UCLA.  She has already lived in Africa and absolutely loves it there.  She is interested in international Social Work and plans to move back as soon as possible.  This was a chocolate cake with sweet cream cheese frosting.

The other cakes are one I made for various fundraisers I put on.  I was on the board of directors of the Life in Africa Foundation, which is a network of community-based organizations in Uganda that benefits war-affected families (www.lifeinafrica.com).  The jewelry is handmade in Kampala out of recycled paper (bracelets are only $5).  I have also worked with the Invisible Children Foundation on various projects/rallies.  We don’t always see eye-to eye on things but they have done a lot to help promote UgandaBeads over the years and I am appreciative.  

Brussels Sprouts Cake (Yup, that’s right…)

I got a request from a friend for a Brussels (Belgium) themed, brussel sprout cake.  This was one of the strangest orders I have gotten and I was definitely stumped at first.  I couldn’t think of any options that wouldn’t be disgusting and then it hit me; carrot cake.  I used my normal carrot cake recipe, which I love, and just substituted half of the carrot for grated sprouts.  It actually ended up tasting good!!  The cake had a slight brussely smell but I couldn’t taste the sprouts.  

For the Brussels themed chocolate piece I featured a map of Belgium, raw brussels sprouts and Charls Mingus (one of my friend’s favorite jazz artists), who died in Brussels.  I also grated Belgium chocolate over the border.

2012 London Olympics Cake

I made this Olympics cake to welcome my mum home from England.  Unfortunately, the purpose of her trip was a funeral but she did get to see some cycling.  I also added a few other England/Gymnastics themed desserts that I made in high school.  I drew all the top pieces in colored melted chocolate. 

Aside from baking, I also coach gymnastics.  I’ve been enjoying watching the olympics, but wish that some of the “old" gymnasts in their 20s had made it.  I was really hoping to see Nastia Liukin compete in London.  This last picture was taken before she decided to make her comeback and she told me that the idea of traveling and starting school was more tempting than claiming that bars title (that should have been hers in 08!).  

I have a feeling we are taking team gold this year and Gabby will be the champ :)

Also, I wrote a book of tumbling drills and progressions that is a great tool for new coaches.  If you want to check it out then just send me an email (uclasocialeworker@gmail.com)