What's New at Cheri's...

Tasty Tuesday Demo on The Kansas CW

2012-03-05T19:58:00.000-06:00

Irish Soda Bread

4 to 4 1/2 cups Flour
2 Tbsp sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 Tbsp butter
1 cups raisins
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 3/4 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425. Whisk together 4 cups of flour, the sugar, salt and baking soda in a large mixing bowl.
Using two knives or a pasty blender work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles course meal, then add in the raisins.
Make a well into the center of the flour mixture. Add beaten egg and buttermilk and mix with wooden spoon until too stiff to stir. Dust hands with flour then knead dough in the bowl just long enough to form a rough ball. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf. The dough will be a little sticky. You want to work it just enough so that the flour is just moistened and the dough just barely comes together. Don't over-knead.
Transfer dough to a large, lightly greased baking sheet. Using a serrated knife, score top of dough about an inch and a half deep in an "X" pattern. Bake 35-45 minutes until golden brown.

First Birthday Themes

2012-03-03T11:29:00.000-06:00

First birthdays are always so special. It is fun to see what parents come up with for their little ones. Here is a Monsters Inc. themed party that includes cut-out cookies as well as a cake. And, don't forget...you get a FREE smash cake for the little one!

Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites

2011-12-06T07:21:00.000-06:00

Here you go...the recipe from my demonstration on the Kansas CW this morning. It is super easy and of course, super delicious!

PECAN PIE BITES

1 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tsp. melted butter or margarine
1/4 tsp. vanilla
dash of salt
2 packages frozen mini-phyllo pastry shells

Preheat oven to 350. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow baking pan 8 - 10 minutes until toasted.
Stir together sugar and corn syrup in a small bowl Stir in pecans, egg, butter, vanilla and salt.
Spoon heaping teaspoonful pecan mixture into ech pastry shell, and place on cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for 20 - 22 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks, and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Pecan Sauce

2011-11-15T09:18:00.001-06:00

Here's the recipe I did this morning on the Kansas CW! It is so easy and delicious!

BREAD PUDDING

4 large eggs
2 (15 oz.) cans pumpkin
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (1 lb.) french bread loaf, crusts removed & cut into 1-inch pieces (about 10 cups)

CARAMEL PECAN SAUCE

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup pecans, chopped

Prepare Bread Pudding: Whisk together first 9 ingredients in a large bowl until well blended. Add bread pieces, stirring to coat. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 8 - 24 hours.
Preheat oven to 350. Spoon bread mixture into lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake, covered, at 350 for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes. Proceed with sauce recipe.

SAUCE INSTRUCTIONS

During last 15 minutes of baking, cook brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove form heat; stir in vanilla and pecans.
Remove bread pudding from oven; drizzle with Caramel-Pecan Sauce. Bake 5 minutes or until sauce is thoroughly heated and begins to bubble.

50's Themed Birthday Cake

2011-09-20T16:05:00.000-05:00

Here is a fabulous cake that was designed for Kathy's 70th birthday party. We took some of her memories and put them a cake in the colors to fit the party. Take a look at some of the details...

I shot the first photo at the bakery, but then added these music note bobbles to the top tier on site.

It really turned out great, don't you think! We also did some fun record cookies as favors for the guests to take home too. But, I forgot to take photos of them, so sorry. Kathy gave us titles of some of her favorite records of the era and we wrote them on the cookies.

So, bring your ideas and let's brainstorm something deliciously fun!

Fresh Apple Cake

2011-09-06T09:59:00.000-05:00

Here's the recipe that I did for my Tasty Tuesday segment on the Kansas CW morning show. It is so easy and the perfect cake for September.

FRESH APPLE CAKE

1    cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup butter, melted
2    cups sugar
2 large eggs
1    tsp. vanilla extract
2    cups all-purpose flour
2   tsp. ground cinnamon
1   tsp. baking soda
1   tsp. salt
2 1/2 lb. Granny Smith apples (about 4 large)
   peeled and cut into 1/4- inch-thick wedges

1. Preheat oven to 350. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow baking pan 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.
2. Stir together butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl until blended.
3. Combine flour, cinnamon, soda and salt and add to butter mixture, stirring until blended. Stir in apples and pecans. (Batter will be very thick.) Spread batter into a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan.

4. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until a toothpick in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan. Cake is delicious as it is or you can top with your favorite frosting.

Tune in for my next demo on Tuesday, October 11! I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet...but, how about something with pumpkin? Hmmmm...I'll start thinking!

Sara's Graduation

2011-08-06T15:56:00.000-05:00

These are long over due...as is my posting to this blog in general. But, I did want to share all the fun things I did for my Sara's Graduation party in May.

Sara is my artist. In fact, she was accepted into the Department of Design's Illustration program at KU. I have had this cake design idea for the last 2 years and finally got to do it. It was a big surprise and she loved it.

Here are some cupcakes for the party. I took the graphic and put it on fondant and made little "stamps" to go on them.

And of course, there were cookies to match!

I am VERY proud of her and know she will do great things with her life.

Bridal Expo

2011-01-10T09:29:00.000-06:00

Last week was crazy busy preparing for the Bridal Expo this past weekend. Each year we want challenge ourselves and this year was no exception. Except for one cake, we did all new designs...12 in total! So, if you didn't make it down to the show, here are are our newest designs. I think there is a little something for everyone.

And, the Groom's Cakes...

Stop by the bakery to see all of these great cakes! We are taking appointments for wedding consultations. Give us a call at 722-1190!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T12:18:00.000-06:00

Thank you for your

business & support in 2010!!

Christmas Open House with SANTA this Saturday

2010-12-08T18:30:00.000-06:00

Christmas Open House

December 11, 2010

Santa will be here from 10:00 - 1:00

Bring your Camera!

Kansas CW Demo - Cookies in a Jar!

2010-12-07T09:15:00.013-06:00

As I promised...Here are the recipes for the "Cookies in a Jar" that I demonstrated this morning on the Kansas CW. They are delicious gifts, (just ask my staff at the bakery), that you can easily make for your friends and family. But, just remember...You can find delicious, all ready baked cookies from the bakery!

COWBOY COOKIE MIX

1 1/3 cups quick-cooking oats
      1 cup all-purpose flour
      1 teaspoon baking powder
      1 teaspoon baking soda
   1/4 teaspoon salt
   1/2 cup chopped pecans
      1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
   1/2 cup packed brown sugar
   1/2 cup sugar
Additional Ingredients:
   1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
      1 egg, slightly beaten
      1 teaspoon vanilla

Pour oats into a wide-month 1-qt. glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; place on top of oats. Layer with pecans, chocolate chips, brown sugar and sugar, packing each layer tightly (do not mix). Cover and store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
To prepare cookies: Pour cookie mix into large mixing bowl; stir to combine ingredients. Beat in butter, egg and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 for 11 -13 minutes. Yield: about 3 1/2 dozen.

CHRISTMAS COOKIES IN A JAR

1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
   1 cup quick-cooking oats
   1 cup dried cranberries
   1 cup vanilla or white chips
Additional Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
   1 egg
   1 teaspoon vanilla

In a 1-qt. glass jar, layer the sugar and brown sugar, packing well between each layer. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; spoon into jar. Top with oats, cranberries and chips. Cover and store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
To prepare cookies: Pour cookie mix into large mixing bowl; stir to combine ingredients. Beat in butter, egg and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes or until browned. Yield: about 3 dozen

Well, there you go...that's the whole recipe for these fabulous cookie gifts. After you fill the jars, add fabric, ribbon or other trim to decorate them for the holidays. Don't forget to print the "How to" instructions and attach. Enjoy!

Our North Pole Airways Gingerbread Creation

2010-12-04T15:55:00.000-06:00

A was going through my photos and came across a gingerbread house we did back in 2006. We did it for a competition and won Best of Show! Everything is edible and made out of either gingerbread or fondant. It took a long time, but it was so just so much fun to make.

My Grandson's 1st Birthday!!!

2010-10-18T10:43:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was my Grandson Paxton's 1st Birthday party!! It was a fun celebration and of course I have to share all the sweets we made for his party.

I have a very talented team of decorators that do the party cakes at the bakery, but for his birthday, this Grandma couldn't let anyone else do the cake.

This was his smash cake...

A close-up of some of the details on the cake.

The cutest cookies to go with the theme!

And, some cupcakes too!

The dessert table...

Happy 1st Birthday Paxton!!!

Love, Grandma

I love making pies...

2010-10-09T21:58:00.000-05:00

One of the best equipment purchases I have made is our pie crust forming machine. We make our pie dough from scratch...no mix or ready-made crust is ever good enough. We mix the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator over night. Then each dough ball is put in a pan and placed on the machine. At the pull of a lever it presses out a perfect crust. The crusts are filled and for our fruit pies, a top crust is added. We seal with a crimper (shown below), but I like a hand pinched edge. So after a few pinches, it's ready for the oven. Beautiful!

Rockin' the Roundhouse at WSU

2010-10-03T15:07:00.000-05:00

We had a great time last night at Wichita State's Rockin' the Roundhouse, the annual fundraiser for the athletic department. If you haven't been before it is where you get to walk around and sample lots of different foods from various Wichita restaurants.

We sampled our pies, cut-out cookies, drop cookies and our new cupcakes.

The cupcakes got rave reviews. We served lots of different flavors.

And, I think my girls had a good time too!

Trip to the International Bakery Industry Expo in Las Vegas

2010-09-29T21:45:00.024-05:00

I just got back from a convention in Las Vegas and wanted to share my trip with you. It was a huge convention, one of the biggest I have ever attended. There were suppliers for equipment, ingredients, packaging and decorating supplies. I also attended some great seminars and workshops. These trips are invaluable to me. I gather so much industry information and come back excited and energized.

Here are decorators who have competed on the food channel. This is Courtney Clark demonstrating a fun topsy turvy cake set-up that I can't wait to try...Lowes, here I come!

A couple more decorators I have seen competing on TV. I can't remember the one on the left...but Marina Sousa in on the right. She always wins her cake contests.

Various shots from different booths...

There were also a couple of competitions being filmed by the Food Network. This is a chocolate challenge...the pieces they were building looked amazing.

This was a baking competition...


The United States Entry

A closer view...it is all out of bread!

One of the best things about these trips is seeing my bakery owner friends. I don't get to see them very often with the hours that we all work, and the couples above both own bakeries in Texas. But it is so great to see them at least once a year to catch up!

New Chocolate Peanut butter Dessert Cake

2010-09-07T21:02:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Peanut butter Dessert Cake

Our love of all things chocolate & peanut butter got us thinking of a new dessert cake and this is what we came up with. It is our moist, rich chocolate cake split & filled with a peanut butter cream filling, iced with peanut butter buttercream and finished with chocolate ganache & peanut butter candy. This is definitely my new favorite cake...is your mouth watering yet??

3-D Cakes

2010-08-07T16:16:00.000-05:00

I hear all the time from customers how much they enjoy watching the cake shows on television. And, you know, my staff and I love watching them too. It is so much fun to see the crazy and extreme cake designs. That's why we love it when some one comes in to ask for something other than a typical sheet cake.

Cake Artist Kristal working on sculpted dog

I have a talented team of cake decorators that are ready to bring your idea to life in cake. Stop by and let's brain storm something extra special your next occasion! There isn't anything I've seen on those shows that my staff & I couldn't do.

We do dream in sugar, you know!

CUPCAKE CRAZE!

2010-08-06T16:31:00.000-05:00

What is all this talk here in Wichita about cupcakes lately??! We have been making decadent cupcakes for a long time!

Check out all of our fabulous flavors of cupcakes. Bet you can't eat just one!

BRYN'S 12TH BIRTHDAY

2010-07-21T21:20:00.000-05:00

I can't believe my baby is 12! Bryn came to the bakery last week to work on her birthday cake. Her design this year was from the movie, UP. She loves that movie and designed this cake all by herself.

The cake was iced in buttercream, then a cloud background was airbrushed on the sides.

Bryn searched the internet for the right pictures of the characters and then we printed them onto edible paper.

The back of this cake even had a design from the movie. She put Paradise Falls here and the topper was the house, of course.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYN!

Today's Demo on the Kansas CW

2010-07-20T11:33:00.005-05:00

I hope some of you got to watch my demo this morning with Mark Larson on the Kansas CW. I decided on a cool dessert that you can make ahead. It is very impressive for your guests. I hope you give it a try!

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM TRIFLE

1-1/2 cups cold milk
1 package (1 ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup (8 ounces) vanilla yogurt
6 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided
1 prepared white cake, 9x13, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 1/2 quarts strawberries, cleaned and sliced

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk the milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set.
In a large bowl, beat the yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream and vanilla until smooth. Fold in pudding mixture and 1 cup whipped topping.
Place a third of the cake cubes in a 4-qt. trifle bowl. Top with a third of the pudding mixture, a third of the berries and half of the remaining whipped topping. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining cake, pudding and berries. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Yield: 14 servings.

CLOSED FOR OUR SUMMER BREAK

2010-06-29T07:10:00.015-05:00

The bakery is closed this week for our annual summer vacation.

We will be back on Tuesday, July 6th, to take your calls and answer your emails.

Have a Safe & Happy

Fourth of July!

GET YOUR 4TH OF JULY SWEETS EARLY!!!

2010-06-22T20:10:00.000-05:00

Don't forget...

to order you holiday sweets early or stop by to pick something up from our showcases. We will be closed all next week for our annual summer break. (yippee!!!) Okay, I am kind of excited. So, come on by the bakery and pick something up for your Fourth. We will be happy to wrap it for your freezer.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

2010-06-20T08:07:00.000-05:00

Here is me and my Dad, my delivery boy and #1 fixer-helper at the bakery...changing light bulbs, building shelves, greasing the oven, fixing racks, wiring outlets, and ...

Thanks Dad!

New Brownies Varieties!

2010-06-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

We have made some changes to our brownies...new sizes & new flavors. Stop by to check them out.

Our flavors vary daily and include fudge, fudge with nuts, German chocolate, mint, smores, turtle, strawberry cream cheese and peanut butter. Whew! That's a lot, but we keep coming up with more flavors to try.

Recess at Work Day!

2010-06-17T19:50:00.000-05:00

Did you know that today was "Recess at Work Day". Really, it's on my calendar. So, my daughter, Bryn and I surprised the employees with a "Recess Day". We came in the evening before and drew games and pictures with sidewalk chalk all over the bakery floor. We bought silly hats and made buttons to wear.

The girls took to the outside of the bakery to decorate the walk. We even left chalk packs outside our neighboring businesses so they could play a little too. What a great recess day!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T22:30:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful Mother's Day with my beautiful girls. I hope yours was just as memorable...Happy Mother's Day!

Happy 21st Birthday Jill!

2010-04-30T12:55:00.000-05:00

I see it has been awhile since I posted here. But, I had to share that today is Jill's 21st birthday, she is my oldest daughter. I can hardly believe that she could possibly be that old, or perhaps it is hard to believe that I am that old!? None the less, her she is when she was little and I when I was much younger. Ahhh, so cute!

This is her birthday cake for the big 2-1! I had to include her dog, Baker, in the design. Please notice that he took a bite out of the number one. That dog will eat anything, and he has.

So, a big Happy Birthday to you, Jill!!

Love, Mom

Easter Blessings

2010-04-04T21:29:00.001-05:00

Have a wonderful Easter!!

Love,

Cheri

Our Easter Sweets

2010-04-02T09:22:00.001-05:00

Stop on by for your holiday desserts! We have lots to choose from!

Our Easter Sweets

2010-03-31T12:55:00.003-05:00

Here is a quick video of some of the things we have for Easter. Give us a call to place you order! 722-1190

Magazine Article...

2010-03-23T14:14:00.003-05:00

We have the honor of being in a national baking magazine this month. Click on it here...Baking Buyer magazine then go to page 32 when it opens up. It is about getting ready for graduation. Of course that is our WSU cake in the article, but we also did the tier I have pictured above. The other cakes are from the other bakeries mentioned. It was fun being mentioned in the same article at Duff, with Ace of Cakes and I was very honored that the magazine asked us to help with the article.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

2010-03-17T10:28:00.000-05:00

May God grant you always...

A sunbeam to warm you,

A moonbeam to charm you,

A sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.

Laughter to cheer you.

Faithful friends near you.

And whenever you pray,

Heaven to hear you."

Irish Blessing

Doing homework at the bakery...

2010-02-27T17:04:00.002-06:00

With Dad on a business trip, what else does my youngest get to do except come hang out at the bakery on a Saturday. At least this time she did a little homework. Her project was to make a plant cell out of something and she choose to do it out of fondant. So she got her own space and kept busy all day with her project.
I showed her a few techniques, but she has been around this forever so it wasn't too hard for her. She did a great job, worthy of an "A" I'm sure!

Getting ready for March

2010-02-25T11:37:00.004-06:00

Can you believe next week is March?!!! I don't know where February has gone. Here is a St. Patrick's display on the showcase, our delicious cut-out cookies and a cute little cake. Also, next month's flavor is chocolate mint. We will have some delicious green items to choose from...keep checking back!

Test baking...

2010-02-24T17:44:00.003-06:00

Today we did a little test baking on coffee cakes. I hope you approve, I know the staff sure did. I have apple, cherry and cinnamon pictured here. I did one with cherry and cream cheese last week that got two thumbs up from the girls. We will have these in the bakery tomorrow and each week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday while supplies last. Let me know your favorite flavors and we may add some more.

Get ready for Valentine's Day

2010-02-06T13:58:00.004-06:00

We will have a lot of sweet things for your loved ones this Valentine's Day. Above are our chocolate chip cookie hearts. They are 10" in diameter and we will also have them as sugar cookie big hearts.
And, the kids go crazy over our cupcake critters. We will have them in the showcase, but you may want to pre-order to be sure we have enough.

National Pie Day!

2010-01-23T09:14:00.005-06:00

Today is National Pie Day, GO PIE!

We had fun giving away pies yesterday to some very deserving people in honor of National Pie Day. It was fun to surprise them with something special. What a great way to start out the year!

It doesn't seem very much like winter lately, but we do have some cute cake & cookie designs for January. I don't mind looking at these "sweet" snowmen!

"PIE IT FORWARD"!

2010-01-13T17:34:00.007-06:00

If you don't have this on your calendars already, I want to make sure you all know that Saturday, January 23rd, is National Pie Day.

Last year, we held our first "Pie it Forward" event with huge success and we want to do it again this year. On Friday, January 22nd, we will deliver free apple pies to celebrate National Pie Day. These pies are not from me, but are from YOU!

Just tell us why you want to "pie it forward" to someone special or to a certain business or organization. Maybe you just want to say "thank you" to a friend for always being there to help, or "I am thinking of you at this difficult time", or perhaps there is a special organization that is always giving, without asking for anything in return. This is your chance to "pie it forward" to someone for doing something nice for you. We will deliver an apple pie on your behalf. Here is what you need to do:

Tell us in 100 words or less why your friend, family member, business or organization is deserving of a special "pie it forward" pie. What have they done for you?
Send us their name, address and where we can find them on Friday, January 22nd. Don't forget to give us your name and daytime phone number so we can contact you if your entry is selected. We will take requests until 5:30 on Thursday, January 21th.
E-mail us your information. Our address to receive the requests is images@cheris-bakery.com. PUT IN THE SUBJECT LINE, PIE IT FORWARD. (This is only for receiving requests, we do not take orders from this address.)
You may also fill-out a form here at the bakery.

We are going to choose 12 deserving entries. Unfortunately, all requests can not be filled. Delivery times are up to Cheri's Bakery and , if we are not able to reach someone at the time of delivery, another entry will be selected.

I can't wait to see the surprise of people's faces when the get their pie. This was so much fun last year, we have made it an annual event.

Why not start 2010 in a positive way! No dessert evokes a warmer memories and goodwill than pie.

Cheri

Bridal Expo Cookies

2010-01-10T08:39:00.002-06:00

Here is a video showing all the cute cookies we added to our tables at the show. I am going a bit fast to get it all in, and I apologize for my video skills. I will post photos so you can see them more clearly after the show. We are there again from 12:00 - 5:00 today. Stop by and visit us if you come down. We will have everything on display at the bakery on Tuesday.

Sneak Peek at Bridal Expo Cakes

2010-01-09T07:22:00.002-06:00

We had a nice long break after Christmas and enjoyed the time off to re-energize. This week the bakery was busy preparing for the Bridal Expo at Century II. It starts at 10:00 and goes until 5:00 today and 12:00 - 5:00 on Sunday. Here is a little peek at our booth. It is just of the cakes that we got set up last night. Aurora, Sara and I will head down there to finish putting cupcakes on the cupcake tree and adding all the cookies to the tables. If we add them on Friday night, we always seem to be missing a few by morning. I will put a full video of the completed booth after the show. If you are heading down, stop by and say hi! This is the biggest show of the year and we always look forward to it. I hope you like our new designs.

Cheri's on Facebook!

2010-01-02T14:49:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone is off to a good start on 2010. I am still relaxing and being as lazy as possible while the bakery is closed. We go back to work Tuesday the 5th. The bakery is still decorated for Christmas. So our biggest project is to get everything put away and clean when we get back.

If any of you are on facebook, I have just gotten a page going for the bakery. It is Cheri's Bakery Wichita. Please be a fan to learn about what is new at the bakery, see new cake & cookie designs and check-out our behind the scenes photos.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From My Family to Yours...

2009-12-24T07:29:00.004-06:00

WE WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & ALL THE BEST IN THE NEW YEAR!

Holiday Open House 2009

2009-12-05T13:44:00.012-06:00

What a fun day it was here at the bakery today. It was great to see all the kids visiting Santa. There were a lot of smiles, and just a few tears too. Not everyone was ready to sit on Santa's lap.

Here is my Grandson, Paxton, 6 weeks old, sleeping in Santa's arms. He is just adorable! But, Grandma is just a little bit biased. :)

My daughter Bryn posed with her friend Jennifer. They are in 6th grade this year. I'm glad they are not too old to sit on Santa's lap.

Here is Brekston, 13 months, with my daughter Bryn. He is shown on the last posting of this blog as an infant in Santa's arms. This year he didn't want to pose or even get too close. Maybe next year, Brekston.

This is cake decorator, Kalee's little boy, Memphis. He is 8 months old and was happy to visit with Santa and flirt with the rest of the cake decorators.

Here is Addie, 2 1/2, eating her cookie. She didn't think sitting on Santa's lap was a very good idea. Staying on the other side of the bakery was as close as she wanted to be this year.

This is Kamilah, the 5-year old daughter of assistant baker, Elida. She wasn't shy at all and was happy to visit with Santa.

Here are sisters Kylie, 6, and Kayla, 4, telling Santa what they want for Christmas. They even brought their own reindeer antlers to wear.

Six month old Adrianne is picture perfect sitting with Santa. She wasn't too sure at first but then turned on the charm to pose for pictures.

Thanks everyone who stopped by the bakery today. I appreciate you so much!

Holiday Open House Saturday, Dec. 5th

2009-12-04T08:02:00.002-06:00

Stop by the bakery for our annual Open House on Saturday! Santa will arrive at 10:00 and be here until 1:00. Bring your camera to get that memorable photograph. We will be open our regular Saturday hours from 8:30 - 3;00 and will have cookie treats for you to sample. See you on Saturday!

Basic Cookie Dough Recipe

2009-12-01T06:28:00.003-06:00

Here is the basic cookie dough recipe that I demonstrated on Channel 5 this morning.

3/4 cup Butter (no substitutions)
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1 Egg
1 Tbsp. Milk
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 1/4 cups Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1/8 tsp. Salt

Cream butter and sugar together. Add egg, milk and vanilla and mix thoroughly. Blend baking powder and salt into flour. Add to creamed mixture until blended. Refrigerate several hours until firm enough to work with.

Bake at 350 for 8 - 10 minutes depending on cookie variety.

Now there are all kinds or variations that you can do from this one dough. It makes about 3 cups of dough. I have variations below using a 1/2 batch (approx. 1 1/2 cups) of dough.

Pinwheels - Roll the dough 1/4 inch thick and about the size of a piece of computer paper. Top it with a thin layer of your favorite preserves, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edge. Roll it up and put in the refrigerator until firm. Cut into 1/4 inch slices and bake.

Chocolate dough - Add 2 Tbsp. of cocoa to the dough and knead to blend. If dough seems a little dry, add a Tbsp. of chocolate syrup to make it more pliable.

Thumbprints - Roll dough into balls and add jam in center before baking. You can also roll them in nuts before making indention for another variation.

Cherry Nut - Add 6 finely chopped maraschino cherries and 2 Tablespoons of chopped nuts to dough. Form in a log and refrigerate until firm. Cut in slices and drizzle with chocolate after baking.

Orange or Lemon - Add 2 tsp. of grated peel to the dough. Dip them in chocolate or glaze them with a powdered sugar icing using orange or lemon juice as the liquid.

These are just a few variations. Use your imagination and make up some of your own!

Happy Baking!

Cheri

6 Days until Thanksgiving!

2009-11-20T10:06:00.003-06:00

Get your orders in for your holiday pies! We have lots to choose from such as:

Pumpkin
Pecan
Cherry & Cherry Crumb
Apple & Apple Crumb
Blueberry
Coconut Cream
Chocolate Cream
Banana Cream

Coach Purse

2009-11-07T07:52:00.002-06:00

Here is a fun Coach Purse we did for some lucky lady! It is a fondant covered cake that even has a Coach tag. I thought it turned out so cute!

PIES, PIES PIES!

2009-11-06T11:58:00.002-06:00

Don't forget that we now make pies! We make the crust from scratch, no frozen, pre-made pies here. Give us a call to reserve one (or two or three) for your Thanksgiving Day table!

Tropical 16th Birthday

2009-11-05T15:35:00.002-06:00

This fun tier was for a lucky 16 year old. It is a buttercream iced then embellished with fondant leaves and bamboo. The surfboard and palm tree add extra details.

HALLOWEEN AT THE BAKERY!!

2009-11-02T15:43:00.012-06:00

Halloween at the bakery was sooooo much fun! After icing so many cookies it was fun getting dressed up and just being silly!
I wanted to know if blondes really have more fun. Now I know why I keep my hair short, long hair tickles! Here is my Grandson Paxton. He stopped by to see his Grandma.

Halloween group shot including Brianna, Kalee, Tiffany, Audra, Me, Sara & Kristal Giraffe Tiffany and Cheerleader KristalThe French Cupcake, Audra

Aurora, The Cookie Fairy

Here's Coach Chris with my daughter, Sara

It was an nice day so Sara & Audra stood by our sign and waved to customers

Biker Chick Kalee with her adorable son, Memphis

Here is Kristal with her twins, Cowgirl Alex & Cowboy Cody

And, finally, this is the wedding cake I delivered on Saturday afternoon after we closed the bakery. They had a Halloween them for the reception. The Bride & Groom Spider topper just made this cake.

4 DAYS UNTIL HALLOWEEN!!

2009-10-27T09:38:00.002-05:00

Give us a call for your Halloween sweets!! We have lots to choose from!

And, bring your kids in on Saturday to Trick 0r Treat here at the bakery. We will have something special just for them!! Plus, we are dressing up! I can't wait!!!!!

Decorated Cookies Shipped Coast to Coast

2009-10-09T16:57:00.006-05:00

We are now shipping our fabulous decorated cookies nationwide. Check out my new Web site, www.cheriscookies.com. For months we have been designing gift sets for all occasions. They come in a beautiful black gift box and make a wonderful gift.
They make the perfect gift for a client or loved one . Check us out at www.cheriscookies.com! Send something delicious to someone you know!

Rockin' the Roundhouse Fundraiser

2009-10-09T08:45:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday was a fun night at WSU. We served lots of pie, cakes and cookies to everyone in attendance. It was a great event for the athletic department and we will definitely be a part of the festivities again next year!

WSU Cake

2009-10-02T11:58:00.003-05:00

Here is the finished centerpiece cake for the Rockin' The Roundhouse fundraiser for Shocker athletics tomorrow night. We will be there serving cakes, pies and lots of cookies. Stop by to say hi!

Rockin" the Roundhouse at WSU

2009-10-01T12:11:00.002-05:00

Here is Kristal working on our centerpiece display cake for Saturday night. Rockin' the Roundhouse is a fundraiser for Wichita State Athletics. We will be there serving cake, pie & cookies. Stop by and say hi if you are going.

Navy & Ivory Wedding Cake

2009-09-30T09:58:00.004-05:00

Here is my favorite wedding cake from last weekends designs. It is a buttercream cake with cornelli lace piped all over. Two of the tiers had a navy fondant band with bow. It was just so elegant and simple.

Rock-N-Roll First Birthday

2009-09-29T13:51:00.004-05:00

How about a rock-n-roll theme for a first birthday party. This is the tier we did last weekend. It was based of the napkins for the party. I thought it turned out great! It is a buttercream cake embellished with fondant details. We even added little skull medallions on the middle tier. I hope Grayson had a great birthday.

Red Chair Affair

2009-09-24T16:40:00.002-05:00

Check out this "Sweet Seat". This is our donation to The Red Chair Affair, a benefit for the restoration of the Orpheum Theatre. It is an event on Wednesday, September 30, where chairs of all shapes and sizes will be on display and available for bid.

We decided to help out the Orpheum and do a chair out of sugar. Really, what else would we do! Some of the chairs will be on display at Abode Home Store during Final Friday, September 25.

Our next benefit is next week at "Rockin the Roundhouse" at WSU, a benefit for the athletic department. We will be sampling cake, cookies and pies. Our centerpiece cake is still in the works, I will post it when we get it done.

CHERI'S COOKIES ON-LINE!!

2009-09-24T09:48:00.008-05:00

After being asked for years about shipping cookies, I finally decided to take the plunge in to shipping my cookies coast to coast. We have been busy designing cookie gift sets for all occasions. Check out our new Web site, www.cheriscookies.com. The cookies come in beautiful gift boxes that are sure to impress. These are the same taste as Cheri's Bakery cookies, but the designs are very different. They are sold by the gift set, not by the dozen. Cheri's Cookies is a separate business, so you must order from the Cheri's Cookies phone number or email us from that site. Please check it out and pass the word on to your friends and family.

Baby Shower Cupcake Tree

2009-09-23T08:32:00.008-05:00

I am trying to get back on track with this blog. I haven't written on it for awhile, so now I will play catch up! We have done alot of fun things in the last month and this was one of them. This was a cupcake tree we did for my daughter's baby shower. The baby is due in 3 weeks, so I will keep you informed of any news.

The cupcakes were iced in colored white buttercream and chocolate buttercream, then topped with fondant bananas, monkey face medallions and polka dots. Everyone loved the variety of flavors and colorful decorations.

We made a 6-inch fondant covered cake for the top of the tree. The party had a monkey theme, and since we had already made a monkey for another one of her cakes, we decided to make a baby dressed up as a monkey. I thought it turned out adorable. This is a great set-up that you can turn into any theme.

KIM GETS MARRIED!!

2009-09-22T10:31:00.011-05:00

Kim, one of my cake decorators, married Barry this past Saturday at Nativity Pines. The weather was just picture perfect for an outside wedding and she looked beautiful! Here they are walking down the aisle as husband & wife.

Kim designed her wedding cake that I decorated. It was bright and fun with periwinkle blue and lavender fondant on lime buttercream.

These photos are courtesy of JDB Photography. This one is of me trying to get a shot of the bride & groom. Of course my photos did not turn out very good. Leave it to the professional to get the best photos! But it is a fun shot that he took of my hands trying to get the shot.

The reception included a dance. Here is Kim and some other employees being goofy. We all had a fun time.

Congratulations Kim & Barry!

All photos courtesy of JDB Photography

Thanks Darrin!

Kelby heads to KSU

2009-08-08T17:32:00.005-05:00

Friday was the last day for my employee, Kelby. She is getting ready to head to K-State. We surprised her with a few going away gifts and a big cookie. I always give silly things to the kids going away to college. Kelby got an apron, personalized with her name that I call her at the bakery, "Kelby Lou". She also got a package of wash cloths. We tease her how messy she is at decorating cookies. So I wanted her to stay clean while she was away at school. I also got her individual wet wipes so she could keep some in her backpack. Kelby likes mermaids, so I got her a big mug with a mermaid on it and a mermaid toy that expands in water.

Her big cookie was decorated with a mermaid that had her photo as the face. I teased her at graduation that I was going to do that on her cake. So since I didn't get to do it then, she just had to get a Kelby Mermaid cookie.

Good luck at school Kelby!! We will miss you!

Baby Shower for Erin

2009-07-29T07:39:00.013-05:00

My daughters, Jill, Sara & Bryn, hosted a baby shower at our house for their sister Erin on Sunday. It was fun and Erin got lots of nice things for the baby. Yes, I am going to be a Grandma. That is a very scary word for me right now :)

She is doing the baby's room in a jungle theme. So the shower was also in that theme. Her cake featured fondant jungle animals, bamboo and and greenery. I thought it turned our very cute.

Below are my beautiful girls. That is Sara, Bryn, Erin and Jill. I will let you know when the little one arrives in October.

Aurora gets Married!!

2009-07-27T08:15:00.008-05:00

Well, I thought this day would never get here. Aurora, my cookie designer, got married Saturday night. She looked absolutely beautiful!!! I wish I got a better photo, but here she is with her new husband, Jake, cutting the cake.

Aurora is also my wedding cake consultant. She designed her own cake! It is iced in ivory buttercream and has a fondant band at the bottom of each tier. I embossed a lace design in the fondant for texture. A floral pattern is piped in lavender randomly on the tiers and I painted a darker purple in some on the designs. Fondant pearls were also added to the cake. The flowers were beautiful and really complemented the cake.

It was a great night, and just a beautiful reception. Congratulations Aurora & Jake!

Sara's Sweet Sixteen

2009-07-25T07:19:00.007-05:00

July is a busy month for family birthdays at my house. Yesterday was Sara's sixteenth birthday. She is a fan of the Beatles, so this was my idea for her cake.

Sara a very artistic girl and has loved colorful things since she was very young. She talked at an early age and one of her favorite questions for anyone she met was "What is your favorite color?". It was the most peculiar thing. She could recite everyone in our family and neighbor's (adults & children) favorite color.

Her cake is a 10-inch round layer cake with a single 8-inch on top. I applied edible images of the Beatles (Andy Warhol designed because she loves his artwork) to the bottom tier. On the top tier I applied more images I found, very retro and fun. I even applied them to the fondant sixteen on top.

Here is Sara with her cake. You may recognize her as one of my front sales girls. She loves to talk to customers and does a great job of designing cakes. Happy Birthday Sara! I love you!!

Pig in the Mud Cake

2009-07-20T08:23:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure where the inspiration came from for this cake design, but it sure turned out cute. This simple ten-inch round cake was made extra special with the addition of the fondant pig on top, complete with a little chocolate mud. I am sure it made a great centerpiece.

Tomorrow I will be on the Kansas CW, channel 5, for a Tasty Tuesday demonstration. July is National Ice Cream Month; did you know that? I am going to demonstrate a delicious recipe called Ice Cream Shop Pie. It isn't made with store bought ice cream, but you make it your self with simple ingredients. It can be made many different ways. Tune in at 8:30 for the recipe!

My Baby Turns Eleven

2009-07-16T20:32:00.003-05:00

Here is my youngest, Bryn, working on her birthday cake today. She came to help with the cake for her sleepover party tomorrow. She painted the zebra stripes on the bottom tier herself. I just outlined them a little and then let her take over. She also rolled all the little fondant balls and put those on for the borders.

Didn't it turn out great!! We just ended our family birthday dinner this evening. For tonight she choose her favorite cupcakes, Boston Cream Pie cupcakes. I can't believe she is eleven. Where does the time go.

NEW DESIGNER CUPCAKES!!

2009-07-13T21:13:00.002-05:00

Wait until you try these!!! They are incredible! We have been working on flavor combinations for these new cupcakes. At about two or three in the afternoon, I yell "time for cupcake testing", and everyone just comes running. My staff has given them two thumbs up for sure. Some of the varieties are:

*Strawberry Shortcake - White cake with strawberry filling & iced with whipped topping
*Boston Creme Pie - White cake with bavarian filling and iced with ganache
*Peanut Butter Cup - Chocolate cake with a peanut butter filling & iced with peanut butter buttercream
*Strawberry Fields Forever - Strawberry cake with strawberry filling & iced with strawberry buttercream
*Lemon Drop - Lemon cake with lemon filling & iced with lemon buttercream

I will be adding these to the cupcake page of the website so you can see them. We will offer 3 -4 varieties each day, but you can always put in an order in advance for any flavor.

Birthday Train

2009-07-12T11:41:00.016-05:00

Hi everyone! I know it has been forever since I have posted here, I really need to do better. We are so busy at the bakery with a new cookie line. It is very exciting and just a whole lot of work. My team and I have been working on it every day. I will give you all the details soon.

Here is a fun train cake my decorator Kalee did for a gentleman's 70th birthday party. It is bright and fun and represents a little about him.
Of course you can tell from this shot he must like Corona beer. One train car is full of chilled sugar beverages.

The other represents his love of gardening. Little sugar vegetables are sticking up in a yummy mound of dirt (chocolate cookie crumbs). There is nothing about this cake that isn't tasty!

Gymnastics Cake

2009-06-27T20:39:00.004-05:00

Here is a bright cake for a gymnastics themed birthday party. It was so fun to do. I have been doing this little girl's cakes for several years now. There is always a new and fun theme to design around.

I made a sugar gymnast for the topper and she is surrounded by sugar stars. Cakes like these take several days of advance work. The stars and letters have to made ahead to dry. My cake girls and I usually do all this work on Wednesday, our slower day to prep for the weekend.

The bakery is closed this week for our annual vacation. I have closed the bakery for the week of 4th of July since I opened over 7 years ago. This year we are going to New Mexico, splitting our time between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. The big girls are staying home for work and summer school. So it is just Dave, Sara, Bryn and I. It will be very different with taking only 2 kids. I will post some pictures and let you know what we are up to. Take care, Cheri.

More Summer Fun Cakes!

2009-06-23T17:29:00.003-05:00

Alright, Summer is here! The weather sure took a turn in the "hotter- than- heck" direction. I just melted on Saturday delivering cakes. The first two were in the rain, but when the sun came out, the humidity soared. But, they were fine, my icing can take the heat just fine. Here are a couple of fun designs for your summer parties. Bring us your theme, and as you see here, we can run with it!

I also wanted to let everyone know our famous gourmet dog treats are back!! We stopped making them for awhile, but had so many requests that I knew we had to make them again. I know my dog, Gracie, is happy!! Isn't she cute. See ya later and keep cool!!

The Farmer's Market-Where it all began!

2009-06-18T07:56:00.003-05:00

This is a photo I have hanging in my office here at the bakery. It is just a little 4 x 6 snapshot of me with my girls at the Farmer's Market. That is where I first started selling my decorated cookies and some small cakes. I decided that was a way I could make money for the family after my husband was laid off and had to take another job at a much reduced salary. I would bake all day Friday and get things packaged, then get up early Saturday morning to pack up the Bronco. I first started with just one table, just a card table that we had at home. I set it all out and waited on my first customers. I was very nervous, and looked so silly among all the veteran sellers with their multiple tables and tents. But I sold everything and was thrilled. The next week, I took my money and bought an 8 foot table and did it again. You can see by this photo that I learned (after getting rained on) I needed a tent also. But I did this all summer of 2000, testing out my cookies and cake recipes. It was a great experience and gave me the encouragement and drive that I wanted to do more that a table at a local farmer's market.
So here I sit, 9 years later, looking at my little girls in the photo and seeing how much they have grown and wishing I could still fit into those jeans. I now have a wonderful team of people helping me produce these great tasting and artistic cakes & cookies in this 3800 sq. ft. bakery. Some days I miss that tent and table, not a lot of worries then. If it rained, I could pack up and go home. If there was some event that I wanted to attend on a Saturday, I would just not do the market that week. I was free to do my own thing. Yet, I know that would not have been enough for me. I have learned a great deal, mostly by the "school of hard knocks", but I guess that is what owning your business is about. I still have people tell me "I remember seeing you at the farmer's market". That's so fun to hear. Thank you for supporting me then and for your continued support. But most of all, thank you Farmer's Market!

Father's Day Cakes & Cookies

2009-06-17T09:10:00.004-05:00

Give us a call for your sweet treats for Dad! We will have items in the showcase, but call ahead to guarantee availability!

21st Birthday Cake

2009-06-05T17:35:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share this cute cake for a 21st birthday. The young man is made from gumpaste, even has his ball cap on backwards that he always wears. Everything is edible, except for the little liquor bottle (well, he can eat the bow!).

First Week of June

2009-06-05T06:55:00.005-05:00

Well, summer has begun, so we have done some fun new designs. They are all on display at the bakery, but I will post them here as well. I don't know about you, but I still can't believe it is June. The bakery has been slow this week. I always look for that in the first week of June. Families are trying to figure out their new summer routine. I know I am doing that as well. When school is in session I am the first one up in my house. I like to get ready and have my quiet time before everyone else gets up. I can read the paper, have my coffee, blog and answer some emails without interruptions. It is heaven to me and I just haven't done it since school has been out. Next week I am going to get back in my normal morning routine. It may be early, but I am an early person. Staying up past 10:00 is a challenge for me! I know I will feel more productive and relaxed with that quiet time.

Well, here are a couple of fun cake designs. I will post more later. It is a busy day getting wedding cakes done. So I better go and finish getting ready to head to the bakery. Have a super Friday!

Fun Baby Shower Cakes

2009-05-31T22:43:00.005-05:00

Here are a couple of cute baby shower cakes. Colors and themes are up to your imagination. It doesn't have to baby pink & blue any more. Honor the mother-to-be with a fun themed cake for her shower.

Catch me on Tuesday on channel 5, The Kansas CW, at 8:30 for Tasty Tuesday! I will demo a yummy fruit topped cookie. I'll post the recipe here afterward for you all to do at home.

And, don't forget about our cute summer cookie designs!! Lots to choose from! Bright, fun and of course, delicious!!

Firetruck Wedding Cake!

2009-05-26T17:22:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to share our 3-D Firetruck with you. It was actually the wedding cake for a couple in McPherson.

Kim and Kalee stayed late with me working on it. Some Fridays never seem to end, and last Friday was one of those. I am looking forward to a busy wedding season!

Tiger Trek Cake

2009-05-22T06:32:00.004-05:00

Wow, I hadn't realized it had been so long since I posted on the blog. May is a crazy month, all the graduation cakes and cookies has had us hopping. People think the holidays are a busy time for us, but we look at graduation as a holiday here. I spend weeks preparing and planning for this month. Everyone worked some long hours last week to get it all done, but it all went perfectly. Thanks everyone for your orders. And if we had to say "no" to some of you, so sorry. There is only so much we can do even with lots of overtime.

Here is a fun cake I delivered to the zoo. If you are not from Wichita, today is the grand opening of the new Slawson Family Tiger Trek exhibit at our local zoo. Mrs. Slawson wanted a thank you cake for the wonderful zoo staff who have worked so hard getting the new exhibit ready. I have my zoo pass and can't wait to check it out! Have a super day! Cheri

BUSY, BUSY WEEK!

2009-05-13T06:34:00.003-05:00

I thought I better write one post as this week takes off and I don't have another chance. We call this week "hell week". It is really the hardest week of the year. We produce twice the normal amount of cakes and cookies so it makes for really long days. The cake decorators will work about 12 - 15 hours on Friday and then be back Saturday for an intense day. I keep counts on the number of cakes and will need to limit the amount. I booked out on Wednesday last year, and that will probably be the same this year. So sorry if you call and we can not take your order, but there is only so much we can do. To say we "overbook" ourselves is an understatement.

Here is a cake we did for Wichita State University. It is a replica of the student center, the RSC. They celebrated its 50th anniversary on Monday. This is only one view, I wish you could see the other sides. It looked great.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

2009-05-10T13:26:00.005-05:00

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

Now, I am done working, relaxation begins.

Countdown to Graduation!

2009-05-07T07:10:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone got my newsletter yesterday. If you didn't, give us a call to get on our email listing. They go out monthly and update you on new items and what is going on at the bakery.

If you haven't ordered your graduation cakes or cookies, do it SOON! Next week is the busiest of the year. We will book out on taking orders, there is only so much we can do even decorating in overtime!! Decorators and bakers stay extra long to make sure everything gets done. Give us a call and place your orders now! Have a super day! Cheri

Bulldog Cakes

2009-05-05T20:15:00.006-05:00

Here a couple of cakes we did today. They were for a school in Oklahoma, I can't remember the school. Sorry! Anyway, they were for their sports banquet. One was for the girls and had the girls' sports on the bottom and the other was for the boys.

This is a fun cake for a baby shower. It is a cute buttercream design with sugar letters and a sugar rattle as the topper. It could be done in a variety of colors or even change out the topper. We love to brain storm new designs.

I was on the Kansas CW this morning. I said I would post my muffin recipe I make here at home. It is a good base that you can be creative with and add different ingredients for variety.
It is not what we make at the bakery, but an easy home version.

Muffin Base

1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Sugar
1/2 tsp. Salt
2 tsp. Baking powder

Mix these together thoroughly.

In another bowl mix mix:

1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup oil (you can substitute melted marg. or butter)

Add the liquid into dry ingredients. Mix only until moistened, do not over mix.

To this base, you can add 1 cup blueberries, or other fruit. Try grating an apple and adding 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon. I have even added chopped strawberries. Be creative.

Scoop into 12 paper lined muffin cups. Bake at 375 for 15-18 minutes. It may take longer depending on what fruit is added.

Enjoy!

On Kansas CW Tommorrow

2009-05-04T20:28:00.005-05:00

I am going to be on the Kansas CW Tuesday morning at 8:30, channel 5 (Cox). I will be showing a basic muffin recipe that you can do at home. It is one where you can add different ingredients for many varieties. Very easy, very tasty and fool proof. I did some samples today and my family has been eating them. So tune in if you are at a TV. I will post the recipe tomorrow.

Here is a cake I did for Father Dan Spexarth for his 25th anniversary in the priesthood. It was a part of a dinner Saturday evening for the new west side parish, St Catherine of Siena, of which I am a member.

On Sunday, Dave, Bryn, Sara and I drove to Manhattan to visit the big girls, Jill and Erin. Jill had her 20th birthday on last Thursday. We had a good visit, and all went to HuHot for lunch. It is hard to believe the school year is almost over. Seems we just moved them up.

Tune in to the CW at 8:30. Later.

HAPPY MAY DAY!

2009-05-01T06:53:00.002-05:00

As the first day of May arrives, my mind starts thinking of graduation cakes. Actually, my mind has been on them for several weeks. This month is the busiest of the year for cakes. So if you need anything, cut-out cookies or cakes, get your orders in early. We always ask for 3-7 days, but keep the 7 in mind this month so you won't be disappointed. Have a super day! Cheri

Busy Friday

2009-04-24T20:06:00.003-05:00

It was a very busy Friday. Sorry if you called today and I said we couldn't do your cake. It is a busy time of year and there are only so many cakes we can do. I don't say no unless I know we are already overbooked. Keep the 3-7 day rule for ordering cakes or cookies and then you will never be disappointed. I appreciate your business!

I am about running on empty. I have been at the bakery for 11 days straight, tomorrow makes 12. Definitely ready for a day off. Thought I better get a posting done before I crash on the sofa. Tomorrow is another busy decorating day.

Here is a cute cake I did today for a baby shower. I am calling it the baby butt cake. I will try to come up with something more suitable, but I am tired, so there you go. Later. Cheri

More Viega Photos

2009-04-22T16:38:00.011-05:00

Here are some more photos of the cakes from photographer Darrin Hackney with JDB Photography. Seeing me behind it gives you the scope of it's size.

Viega Grand Opening Cake

2009-04-21T16:44:00.008-05:00

Well, the cake that has been on my mind for 2 months finally got delivered today. Yea!! We worked all day Monday and headed to McPherson at 7:00 this morning. Viega is a facility off of I-35 in McPherson. You can see the huge white building from the road. It took 12 1/2 full sheet cakes to build this cake and was placed on a board 4 feet x 7 feet. It took 6 of us to safely get it into the van. Here it is in the van ready to head out.

I got a call on my cell as we were pulling into the parking lot at the plant from someone who was to meet me and let me know where to unload. He said to go around to the back and they had a fork lift ready to take the cake. Really... A FORKLIFT! So we drive around and sure enough, a forklift and 6 guys were waiting. (I had asked for 4 guys to help Kim and I get it unloaded.) I told him I was not going to put the cake on a fork lift. He thought it was the best idea since we had a long way to walk. This building is very big, like 250 ft. long. After finding the location where the cake was to be displayed, and me refusing the fork lift, we decided on a dock closest to the cake table. Since my van isn't as high as a semi truck, we had guys get it out of the truck and pass it to 6 guys above in the loading area (about 4 feet above the ground). This cake weighed almost 200 lbs. It all went very well, much better that the fork lift idea. I wish I had to time to take a photo of that.

We finished the detail work on the cake and cake board with an audience of about 75 people, at least. It was quite funny, people were snapping photos like crazy. It got rave reviews and even the owners from Germany loved it. It was a good challenge and fun to do, but, sure glad it is done. On to new things! Here is the finished cake. Let me know what you think.

I'm Back

2009-04-20T19:41:00.006-05:00

All right, I really didn't go anywhere, just haven't been blogging. Forgive me, I always get so behind after a holiday. Easter was very busy, thank you!, seems like I spent last week just catching up. And we had 8 weddings!! The bakery was closed today but Kim and I were there all day doing the big Viega cake for their grand opening tomorrow in Mcpherson. It is huge, took 12 1/2 full sheet cakes and is on a plywood base 4 feet by 7 feet.
I will post photos tomorrow. We just have to get it out the door and into the van. I will let you know how it goes.

Here are a couple of neat cakes from the weekend. This one was for a 50th birthday. Do you get it... Budweiser frogs?? I loved it.

Here is a great cake for duck hunter. We get a lot of requests of camo cakes. I just loved how this turned out.

Easter Blessings to You and Yours!

2009-04-11T17:22:00.000-05:00

Easter Bonnet Winners!

2009-04-11T16:52:00.012-05:00

Here is our baker, Sandra, the first place winner! She went all out with flowers, a bunny wearing a hair net, rolling pin and even little sacks of flour. It was fabulous!!

Second place went to Tiffany, shown below. She looked lovely as she greeted customers. I wish you could see the back, it was beautiful too. Great job Tiff!

There was a three way tie for third between cookie decorators Jessie, Aurora and Jill. Who knew they would come up with such ideas!

I guess this will be an annual event. They have been thinking of ideas for the next contest. I'll keep you posted.

EASTER BONNET CONTEST!!

2009-04-10T09:52:00.004-05:00

Here we are!! If you think we are creative in cakes, check these out! I had no idea what was coming today. We have customer voting in store today. Have a wonderful day, need to get to helping with cakes!!

Today is Easter Bonnet Contest at Bakery!

2009-04-10T06:35:00.002-05:00

Check back later, I will post photos of my team in their Easter hat creations. They are taking it very seriously!! I never thought I would use the words "trash talk" and "Easter bonnet" in the same sentence. You would think there was a huge cash prize instead of movie tickets. I can't wait to see their creativity.

Remember, any one coming to bakery with their Easter bonnet gets a FREE 6-pack of Easter cookies!! Come on over it will be fun!

3 Days until Easter!

2009-04-09T06:46:00.003-05:00

We are working like crazy on cakes and cookies for Easter, Stop by if you haven't seen what is available!

Tomorrow is "Wear you Easter Bonnet Day"!! Come on over and see what we are wearing. It is a contest among employees for the best Easter Hat. I will be sure to take pictures.

Any one coming to the bakery with their Easter bonnet will get a FREE 6-pack of Easter Cookies!!! C0me on over!

Last but not least, a big congrats to my cake decorator Kalee and her husband Martin. They welcomed Memphis Jay into the world yesterday. We can't wait to meet him. Best to you both!!

More Easter Cakes

2009-04-06T11:04:00.002-05:00

Here are some more Easter cakes. The basket cakes can be in your choice of flavors and colors. Choose either the candy egg filled basket or one filled with flowers. The bottom cake is decorated with beautiful sugar lilies. We are closed today (Monday), but hop on over tomorrow to get your Easter desserts ordered!

If you are in front of a TV tomorrow at 8:30, tune in to The Kansas CW, Cox channel 5. I will be doing a demonstration of cute Easter cupcakes. See ya later! Cheri

3-D Bunny and Lamb

2009-04-05T20:28:00.003-05:00

How about this cute Bunny or Lamb for your Easter table. They come in two sizes and your choice of flavors. I know they will be a big hit with the kids.

Or, how about cupcakes! Here is our Down the Bunny Hole. The cupcake can be white or chocolate and is iced with chocolate buttercream and coated with chocolate cookie crumbs. We will have these in the showcase, but order in advance to guarantee availability.

Here is our cupcake, Flowers in the Grass. Little fondant flowers nestled in variegated green buttercream. So many choices...But really, why choose, get some of each!! Stop by the bakery to see all that we have for your Easter dinner!

Monkey Birthday

2009-04-04T11:50:00.004-05:00

Here is another cute first birthday cake! We also did matching cookies. Notice the small cake just for the birthday child. We call it a "smash" cake and you get one free with any first birthday cake. Cole is going to have a great party! Thanks for the order!!!

Easter Cake Eggs

2009-04-02T06:44:00.003-05:00

Don't forget about these adorable cake eggs. We have chocolate cake eggs covered in a wonderful chocolate poured icing. I am a chocolate girl so they are my favorite. But for you white cake folks,we have white cake eggs in blue, pink and yellow. They are so popular with the kids and make wonderful individual desserts! Get your orders in to guarantee their availability. We will have them in the showcase, but last year we did sell out. So, please, pre-order, I want to run out! Have a super day! Cheri

Bakery Workshop in Amarillo

2009-03-30T21:35:00.011-05:00

What a weekend! That snow storm about canceled my plans to go to Texas for a bakery workshop. I was contemplated all morning on Saturday whether to go or not. Amarillo had a blizzard on Friday and I kept checking the radar and road conditions to decide whether it was safe to leave. I finally decided to go for it, the radar looked like it was about done and I checked with the people in Amarillo and the highway that was previously closed going into town, was back open. As soon as we got a bit south of Wichita, the roads were just fine. I am so glad we went.

I am a member of the Retail Bakers Association of America, a national bakers group. The group that met in Texas was the Greater Southwest group, a regional group. It is made up of bakery owners in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Louisiana. I am the lone Kansan in the group. I always learn so much and enjoy the camaraderie of being with other owners. We share ideas and just learn from each other. I was asked to present some ideas from my bakery. So I shared some of our cute cupcake ideas and cakes for Easter, as well as some time saving tips that we use at Cheri's.

The workshop started at 8:00 Sunday morning until about 4:00, when the board of directors met. I was asked to be on the board and am honored to be involved.

We all (about 35 people) went out to The Big Texan Sunday evening. It was good food and lots of fun as you can see.
And, of course, everything is bigger in Texas! I wasn't going to get in the chair, but they made us, hat and all. What a fun time. I look forward to September for our next event.

Birthday Tier

2009-03-27T06:31:00.003-05:00

Here is a fun birthday tier for one of my favorite customers. Her daughter said she has never had a real birthday cake for herself so she ordered a sheet cake for her. Well, she has been a loyal customer for years and just a wonderful person and friend. So we changed her order a bit a decided to take her sheet cake up a notch. Happy Birthday Deb!

Today is "Wear Your Favorite T-Shirt" Day at the bakery. I, of course, have my new Barry Manilow t-shirt on. My husband went to Vegas and brought it back for me. I already have two, but needed an excuse to wear this one. It is fun the the employees, but really, I just wanted to wear my Barry shirt. Take care in this crazy Spring weather.