To me, orange and chocolate are the yin-yang of flavour pairings - great independently, but dynamic as a pair. The dream team!
Before I get to this oval piece of orange-chocolatey goodness, let me just say HI YA'll and YIKES! It has been three weeks since my last post!
Blame it on the lazy, care-free, summer and a little on burnout. All the work that goes into blogging, coupled with my regular work and other commitments, can be overwhelming. And to be honest, I sometimes wonder whether anyone would notice if I stopped showing up here altogether. 🙁
As quickly as that thought entered my mind, I quashed it. I'd notice! And I'd most definitely miss it and that should count for something, yes?! Even if no one ever shows up here again, I'd still pop in and speak to myself, enjoy a slice and a cup and do it all over again the next week. Every day for the last few weeks, my absence from this place I've built and grown to love, weighed heavily on me. It has become such a great outlet and I have 'met' such good people/friends. I may not always hear from you all, but I know you're here and it feels great to be among you again!
So now that my heart is through trickling blood all over this post, let's clean things up and add some sugar already, yeah!
 |
| Sugar Pearls |
So, as I was saying... I love the flavour pairing of chocolate and orange. I especially liked the results achieved in this Chocolate Orange Coffee Bavarian Cream I made last November. So I thought I would try that flavour combination in cake form.
I shared the naked version of this cake three weeks ago on Instagram. I made it for a friend's grandparent's anniversary - fifty-five years, I believe she said. GULP!
She showed me some photos of the big day that I am still not sure qualify as colour photos proper, but instead some Kodacolor, sepia-toned, blurred over impostors. And... I loved every one of them! Her gp's looked so very young and scared, but happy.
Although I suspect more a result of the photo processing than the actual chosen wedding colour scheme, these two colours stood out in my mind - orange and teal. As well, there were a few fan/accordion pleat dresses that caught my eye. And is it me, or did everyone in that time own a pearl necklace? So elegant!
So, I took those pearls, pleats and Kodacolors and blended them into this sweet, little chocolate and orange gift of love from a grandchild to her grandparents. There might just be a tear or two (of joy) mixed in with the batter.
I really enjoyed making the decorations for this Oval Orange Chocolate Anniversary Cake - simple, fun and so versatile - so I thought I'd share with you how I made them. They're reminiscent of the pleated dresses from the photos, complete with a string, or two, of pearls.
Tools Used:
- Daisy Molds (75mm and 110mm)
- Gum Paste
- Small Rolling Pin (with spacers)
- Pasta Roller Attachment (optional)
- Cookie Cutters (68mm and 88mm)
- Vegetable Shortening & Cornstarch Pouch
- Shimmer Dusts (Super Pearl, Emerald and Moonstone)
- Paint Brushes
- Non-stick Surface
- Vodka
- Wilton Performance Oval Pans
Hope you enjoyed!
I will share the recipe for this cake in a future post, where I am able to share a slice with you. 🙂
Other Celebration Cakes:
Princess Peony Bridal Shower Cake
Frances Burkey says
One of your most beautiful cakes yet! I love it!
G Pavao says
The cake is beautiful. As far as the flavors, this is one of my favorite combinations. I think it reminds me of the Peppridge Farm orange milano cookies I used to love as a kid. Yummmmmm
Liliana Negrea says
HOW BEAUTIFUL! I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO LEARN ABOUT WHAT GOES INTO IT!
DebEastofEdenCook says
Well! i would miss your lovely posts! The Anniversary cake is so stunning it certainly was worth waiting for! 🙂
Carrie's Creations says
first - we would definitely notice if you were gone! we all have burnouts sometimes, but i'm glad you bounced back. 🙂
i love that this cake is oval. still the classic feel but unique at the same time. and i love the colors!
01VanillaBean01 says
This is really elegant, in it's colour scheme and design. So often less is more.
Don't think for a moment that you wouldn't be missed because you definitely would be. I understand how real life has to take priority and it should and sometimes there is no time nor energy to devote to your blog. Thanks O.K., your friends are always here when you are *open* for company 🙂
I Sugar Coat It! says
Why, thank you, Frances!
I Sugar Coat It! says
Thanks! I have not had those cookies, but will have to search them out now...
I Sugar Coat It! says
Thanks, Liliana! I couldn't cut this, but hoping for photos to share. I do have another post planned that focuses on the recipe. SO, stay tuned!!
I Sugar Coat It! says
Awww, thank you, Deb! Appreciate the support you have shown me here and on Twitter!
I Sugar Coat It! says
Very sweet of you, Carrie! I picked up the oval pans on sale a little while ago and finally got to use them. Thank you!
I Sugar Coat It! says
Thanks, Paula! I can always count on you for a boost. Your kind words and support have meant to world to me from the start. xoxo
Regina @SpecialtyCakeCreations says
I love the oval shape of this cake. Never used to be a fruit+chocolate fan...but I am so glad I grew out of that 🙂 Orange plus chocolate sounds amazing. And I am so happy to see and read about your creations. I would totally and definitely miss you, but totally understand about enjoying summer
I Sugar Coat It! says
Thanks, Regina! I appreciate your support and that you take the time to visit and comment! 🙂 xo