Quest of the Nocturnal Baker

Do you ever dream about baking? Not the "What do I want to be when I grow up pastry baker" dream, but rather the disgruntled novice caker nightmare. Do you dream of madagascar bourbon vanilla, lavender infused simple syrup, and oh so divine chocolate ganache? Or do you battle your lucidness with a nocturnal evaluation of tiered cake construction, a clever way to package cupcakes, dam your filling or not to dam? As a novice cake baker, and I do mean NOVICE, I have found myself totally engrossed with my new hobby. Surfing the web at ghastly hours I have uncovered treasure; wonderful marshmallow fondant recipes, how to make Easy Fondant Flowers, exotic fusions of flavors one would think twice about, many ideas and immense inspiration.

As I prepare for my daily nocturnal quest to "cakers la la land", I meditate on past mistakes. ( I take this cake thing serious!), and focus positive energy to this weeks current project. I am often summoned to recreate versions of cakes friends see in magazines, tv shows or even free form my own creation. Although I am always super excited to take on a new challenge, I must admit it creates a lot of anxiety in my life. I sketch ideas and often underestimate my own ability. Usually my cakes are substandard to me, but it truly does make my heart smile when the person who receives my baked goods are so gracious and recommend me to others. It has certainly been a great learning experience and I look forward to actually taking some classes to learn proper techniques. This year I am also super excited to take on the task of learning how to make gumpaste flowers, a Mad Hatter Cake, and the list goes on.... I think often about attending pastry school and becoming a "legit" baker, but between my dystonia and the financial burden it may create, I am content winging it and teaching myself the art through trial and error. So be encouraged my fellow novice cake bakers, anything is possible, be patient and you tube tutorials are awesome!!!!