Crossword Puzzle Cake

For Eric Larson

Eric Larson's lovely son Arthur came to me with the idea for this cake. It was his father's 60th birthday and he loves crossword puzzles. It originally only said "Happy Sixtieth Birthday Eric" but it seemed like it was missing more answers. So Arthur texted me other words that Eric is associated with like, being sarcastic, the love of his dog and coffee, and the fact that he's a grandfather. So, even though this might seem like it says "Happy Sarcastic Birthday Dog" -- it's still super appropriate. Arthur also explained to me that his parents are not big fans of fondant, so this was all iced by hand and hand-piped, a little more work, but it was definitely worth it!

Cake: Chocolate chunk raspberry cake with buttercream frosting.

Details: Black piping icing, blue piping icing

Beatles Cake

For Matthew Sanders

My friend Erika came to me and asked if I can make a Beatles-themed cake for her friend Matt's birthday. He's a huge fan and he has a tattoo of this very image, a silhouette of the famous Abbey Road cover, on his arm. We snuck into Erika's empty apartment and waited for him to come for his surprise birthday party -- 'twas a fun night!

Cake: Chocolate cake & brownie, vanilla frosting.

Details: White & black butter-cream fondant, black piping icing.