September 5, 2010

Cupcakes…Do They Say “Wedding” to You?

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We do get requests for wedding cupcakes.

Pumpkin spice with cinnamon butter cream and raspberry with lemon curd, pucker up!

We have done a bunch this summer in all three sizes offered.  Bridal couples select a wide range of flavors from traditional white, red velvet and even green tea. We have served them up on various stands, creating a range of “looks.”  Yet I will admit, no matter how they are done, I prefer the look of a tiered cake.  For me, cupcakes say “youth” not sophistication.

Black forest.

They do fit, for some couples who want a sense of whimsy on their wedding day.  But for the mature couple, not so much. What are your thoughts?

Another thing that seems puzzling to me is decorating them with rolled fondant.  One of the things that makes cupcakes so appealing is the luscious frosting on top.  While I understand the notion of decorating them so that they tie into wedding theme, they lose some of their draw when they’re missing that yummy butter cream.

Part of the allure is the creamy icing on top! It does make them irresistibly inviting.

One point that I will concede, however, is the versatility of the cupcake.  I love to see the wonderfully creative finishes on cupcakes.  From icings, to sugar paste, to dragees and sprinkles, and other richly distinctive finishes that innovative bakers come up with.  Every time I think I have seen it all, something magical pops up which is fun and exciting, fresh and new.

Cupcakes are very trendy now, there is no doubt about it.  Whether or not it continues to be an interesting aspect to the wedding reception is yet to be seen.  One this is for sure, guests a gobbling up cupcakes at lots of weddings these days!

 

August 29, 2010

2 Weddings and an Anniversary

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Can you tell which are which?   Here are 3 very different cakes that were created this  weekend and delivered today.  Each one personal, each one delicious.

Axelson Anniversary Cake

The first cake delivered today was the Anniversary Cake for Kathy & Larry.   Congratulations to them and we hope they continue to be good to each other.  Their three-tiered cake was German’s sweet chocolate with golden pecan frosting for the filling.  They also ha traditional white cake with our scrumptuous  vanilla butter cream.  The entire cake was covered in white fondant, and then decorated with navy grossgrain ribbon, white primroses and magenta roses all made from sugar paste.  The sugar flowers were brushed with edible luster dust which gave them just the right sheen.  To round out their dessert, Kathy also order a two-layer half sheet of buttermilk chocolate cake with our decadent chocolate fudge butter cream as a filling.  The cake’s exterior was iced in the same, with a lovely ooze of chocolate ganache.  Their guests were no doubt fully satisfied after the cake had been served.

Wedding Cake for Ashley & Anthony

Next up we delivered a  wedding cake to the University of Northern Colorado for Anthony and Ashley.  Their cake was traditional white cake with strawberries and vanilla butter cream.  This is a taste sensation for all who partake.  The three tiered cake was accompanied by two, double-layer traditional white cakes to serve their 300 guests.  Special to the couple was the emblem Anthony, a graphic artist, created for the couple’s invitations.  This emblem was recreated in black butter cream and it adorned the front of their cake.  On the second tier, the couple’s monogram was also included in a symmetrical design.  The cake’s exterior was vanilla butter cream, and although it didn’t have an ultra-smooth finish like that of fondant, the flavor is unbeatable.

English Rose Wedding Cake

Chocolate Dipped Cake Truffles with white chocolate stripes and baby hearts.

Finally, we delivered the three-tiered, ivory fondant covered cake to a park gazebo in Greeley, Colorado, for Yadira & Keney.  The park setting was very lovely, and lush.   The cake which had tiers of red velvet with cinnamon butter cream for the filling, and traditional white cake with vanilla butter cream and fresh raspberries was the most unique wedding cake we have done in a while.  The entire exterior of the cake held 10 lbs. of fondant.  Each of the 185 rose were hand created, and took approximately 4 hours to produce.

Rounding out the desserts for this wedding were chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate cake truffles.

Crowd-pleasers, Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

Creating these cakes this week was the most delightful time spent in the kitchen in some time.  The fact that each one was different did present some challenges.  To create these cakes, we baked 39 cakes recipes, and we mixed up 15 lbs of butter, 40 lbs. of powdered sugar, 1500 ML of vanilla syrup, 3 lbs. of fresh strawberries, and 3 pints of raspberries.  17 lbs. of rolled fondant and a quart of luxurious chocolate ganache.  Oh, and I almost forgot, 3 very large portions of love for each of the couples and their cakes.

 

August 14, 2010

How Important is the Cake?

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What are the most important aspects of the wedding ceremony?  The walk down the aisle? The vow before God?  The rings, the kiss, the announcement of the married couple?  These all play an important part in the whole ceremony.

Similarly, there are key components at the reception.  But how important is it to have a wedding cake?  What are the traditions and rituals surrounding the wedding dessert?

These days, bridal couples are opting for other alternatives to wedding cakes in increasing numbers.  One in five of the brides that we have met with are asking for

Decadent mini desserts tree

an alternative to traditional wedding cake.  Dessert buffets, mini cupcakes, gluten-free and special dietary dessert options are also requested.  So what are some options available to you as you plan your nuptials?

Brownies and more brownies

Catering by Victoria has a team of professionals to help you plan and realize a wonderful and memorable day.  Collectively, we have decades of experience in catering, cake creation and event planning.  Offering our very best expertise, we can provide information on current trends, event orchestration, themed menus and beautiful cake design or other magical dessert options.  We want to help you realize the dream of your wedding.

Meet with your bakery and design your cake

Other Related Posts:

Wedding Trends, 2010

Icing on the Cake

Upcoming Cake Tastings Events

Personal consultation

Call Victoria for a personal consultation on your wedding cake, or your catering needs.  She can successfully create a themed menu complete with your wants, wishes and favorites.  The beauty of working with her is due to her

Fresh, seasonal flowers top the cake

extensive experience, she can help you decide on menu items that really works for a crowd to satisfy and WOW them.  And isn’t that an important part of feeding your loved ones?  Victoria can be reached at (970)686.5005, most afternoons.

This summer we saw many brides skip the ceremonial cake entirely, or some simply had a very small cake with multiple mini desserts.

Mini mousse varietals are a great addition to a dessert buffet.  Giving your guests a buffet of many options is a sure way to please them, but be prepared, the more choices, the more indulgences.

Mini Lemon Raspberry Mousse

So brides think a dessert buffet will be a less expensive option for dessert than a wedding cake.  This may or may not be the case, depending on how we compare these options.  Ask your caterer, they will help you select the best choice for what you are trying to

Themed sugar cookies make delicious favors

communicate with your wedding dessert.  Be prepared, with more options of cake flavors, mini desserts, and buffet designs, it may be more difficult than you expect to make a decision.

Join us Sunday, September 12 @ The Ranch in Loveland, Colorado, 12-4 p.m.  Cakes by Victoria will be exhibiting through Bridal Festivals free expo.  It’s a great way to shop all the vendor you might need to plan a wonderful wedding in Northern Colorado.


 

July 9, 2010

Wedding Trends for Fall 2010

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Pantone Fall 2010 colors.

It has been a very busy summer.  We have catered several beautiful weddings, indoors and out.  We’ve also created some wonderful, sometimes stunning wedding cakes.  As our experience grows, so does our passion and expertise.

Exposure to brides, fashion and the food industry lends itself to a compilation of wedding trends. Over the past several months of consulting with bridal couples, MOBs (Mothers of the Brides) and catering various weddings of all budgets, certain trends start to emerge.  Here is what we see trending this Fall and into Winter.

Crochet wedding dresses and accessories exude elegance and refined taste.

Colors & Textures

The Color Pallet we see emerging carries chocolate-brown, with teal, navy, woodbine, and Lime-yellows, golds, coral reds, bright orange, lipstick reds.  Classic Black, always in fashion, remains a desired accent.  Pewter and silver shine.  Leaf green is over. Pantone, Inc. released Fall colors last week, and they are consistent with what we see trending.

View more lace-inspired wedding dresses at HERE

Image Credit:  katyelliott.com

twitter.com/elliottkaty

Fashion Week was in New York at the beginning of this month, and the designers exhibited  fashions and fabrics for this Fall which included some of the following trends:

Lace & Crochet

Sheer Fabrics

Feathers, Faux Fur

Dots, Polka Dots, Hollow-center Dots

Wedding Cakes

Square isn’t square…it’s IN!  Brides are going square on their cakes, immediately stacked.

Floral…Fresh flowers still rule, both cascading down tiers and as cake toppers.  Piped icing flowers or  hand-crafted flora made from pastillage is another elegant way to embellish your cake.

Edible or fabric ribbons and bows remain a common way to wrap a cake in accenting colors.  Watch for rhinestone strand and brooches for a bit of dazzle and bling.

Wide navy ribbon is contrast with a narrow bright teal ribbon at the base of each tier of this fondant cake.

Double ribbons…if one ribbon binding the bottom or center of tiers is good…two is even better.  This pulls the accenting colors into the simple, elegant cakes.

Round Cakes look whimsical with polka dots and hollow dots (rings) in trending accent colors.

Combining square and round tiers, with contrasting colors and images.

Fondant is re-emerging with better flavors and consistency, as well as beautiful, elegant finishes.

Cake Flavors – Green Tea,Pumpkin Spice, German’s Chocolate and Red Velvet are very popular right now.  Cupcakes and individual desserts buffet also remain trendy and desired.

In addition to traditional cakes, we have seen cupcake towers with mini ceremonial cakes, luscious cake truffles, “whoopie”

Matcha is delicious in Green Tea cupcakes and Meringue Butter Cream.

pies, cream puffs, and decorated chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Credit: Rings of Eternity Cake, http://www.bridella.com/

Themes

Having a theme for your wedding is completely optional.  However, themes are a thoughtful way to tie together the very many details of the reception. With some many decisions to make throughout the planning process, a theme can help a planner stay focused.  Here are some themes we are working within for upcoming Fall and Winter weddings.

Cowboy, Boots, Fringe, Leather, Suede, Studs

Tropical, Hibiscus, Exotic, Tribal, Feathers

Elegance, Clean, Classic

Foods

Asian &  Sushi

Sushi is perfect hors d'oeuvre for an exotic or tropical wedding theme.

Ethnic Stations

Traditional American Comforts, with Fusion

Backyard bar-be-qu is passé and overdone.

At Catering by Victoria, and Cakes by Victoria (that Victoria is one busy lady!) we are passionate about what we do.  We are excellent are creating magical events that will be remembered for a life time, your life time.  Our professional staff is here to assist you with the details for your reception.  Our chef-managed catering staff can provide food for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, the day-after brunch…it goes on and on.

Consider having some neat-to-eat tasty bites for your bridal party to munch on as they prepare themselves for the walk down the aisle.  On such an exciting day, it is easy to forget to eat.

Contact Victoria to schedule a consultation to discuss your wants, wishes, budget and all the pertinent details.  She’ll take the time with you personally, make sure to incorporate as much of these details as is possible for your reception.  Feel at ease, attending one of our upcoming Cake Tastings.  Sample a variety of flavors and icings to help you pinpoint the right combination for your cake.

We hope you will consider us for your catering, and/or your  wedding cake, as we would very much love to assist you.  (970)686.5005.  You will certainly get our very best. More Catering Images

 

June 28, 2010

Next Cake Tasting Event

Posted by Chef Victoria under Caffè Victoria, Cakes by Victoria, Catering by Victoria | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |
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CAKES BY VICTORIA periodically hosts Cake Tasting Events.

Red Velvet and Chocolate Cake Truffles in pink White Chocolate

Upcoming Dates at Caffè Victoria:

  • Saturday, September 12th @ The Ranch in Loveland, CO (12-4p.m.)
  • Saturday, October 16th @ Caffè Victoria
  • Saturday, January 15th @ Caffè Victoria

Tastings held:  3 – 5p.m.

Join us to sample a variety of delicious cakes, meet our cake artists, and view our extensive portfolios and cake gallery.

Reservations are greatly appreciated and include samples of the following flavors:

  • Traditional White Cake filled with Vanilla Butter Cream & Fresh berries
  • Buttermilk Chocolate Cake filled with Chocolate Fudge Butter Cream
  • Luxurious Red Velvet Cake filled with Cinnamon Butter Cream
  • Italian Creme Cake filled with Sweetened Mascarpone
  • Pumpkin Spice Cake filled with Cream Cheese Butter Cream
  • Blissful Carrot with Vanilla Butter Cream

    7 cakes and our wedding sugar cookies

View our cake models and page through our wedding and specialty cakes portfolio.

Refreshments provided by Caffè Victoria.

Pre-registration is sincerely appreciated to attend the cake tasting event.  Register by phone at 970/686.5005, or you can register the day of the event, space allowing.

 

June 22, 2010

Pink, White and Black Wedding Cake

Posted by Chef Victoria under Caffè Victoria, Cakes by Victoria, Catering by Victoria | Tags: , , , , , , |
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Edible flowers

I saw a version of this cake on-line but it had no details, so I don’t know who to give the credit to.   The picture of that cake haunted me so that I had to make my own version of it.  I hope you love it like I do.  It is clean, crisp, feminine and romantic.

Traditional white cake covered in Ultra White Fondant decorated with black grosgrain ribbon and sugar paste, entirely edible flowers.

Ideal for a summer wedding.  Fondant holds up better than butter cream icing in the summer heat.  The square design makes an excellent canvass to perch white primroses on the edges, attached with royal icing.

The tiers are double-layers of cake and measure 9″ + 6″.  This cake yields approximately 48 servings.

 

June 20, 2010

Elegant Wedding Cake

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500 red roses?  I’m not sure…I didn’t actually count them, so let’s just say there were more than I could possibly count.

As I walked through the double glass doors at Eaton Country Club, I new immediately that we were in the precise location for the reception.  There were clusters of roses, crimson gracing every possible perch.   Each of the 45 dining tables had a bouquet of about a dozen of them. Stunning.  Ah, and as I delivered the substantially heavy 4-tiered cake, there were 2 dozen red roses which the bride instructed me were to adorn her cake.

 

June 5, 2010

Latest Cake for a Spring Wedding

Posted by Chef Victoria under Cakes by Victoria, Catering by Victoria | Tags: , , , , , , |
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Ceramic cake topper, surrounded by chocolate cosmos .

This cake is sweet.  It is romantic.  And although it is difficult to tell in this picture, because of the lighting, the color scheme is chocolate brown and Robin’s egg blue.

This cake was delivered to a reception venue in Broomfield, Colorado, which is almost an hour’s drive away from our kitchen.  The cake was transported fully-finished, stacked as shown here.  And even though the road had some bumpy spots, this cake arrived in exactly the same condition it left our parking lot in.  That is such a great feeling.

Three immediately stacked tiers, each three layers of cake, and two layers of strawberries and vanilla butter cream, is iced in Ultra White Butter Cream and the swags at the base of each tier is folded fondant to resemble fabric.  The tiny blue and chocolate brown flowers are entirely edible.  This cake, comprised of 8″ +10″ + 12″ round tiers serves approximately 95 portions.

Stacey's cake was buttermilk chocolate cake filled with vanilla butter cream and fresh strawberries.

 

April 29, 2010

Wedding Cakes

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Here are some pics of wedding cakes that we have done, or would like to do! 

Visit us Sunday July 25th, 3-5p.m. for our cake tasting.

Caffè Victoria is located at 1296 Main Street in Windsor, Colorado. 

We will have wonderful flavors for you to sample, along with cake truffles, sugar cookies, chocolate dipped strawberries and MORE!  Oh, bring your sweet tooth!

 

April 7, 2010

Graduation and Wedding Cakes

Posted by Chef Victoria under Caffè Victoria, Cakes by Victoria, Catering by Victoria | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Graduations, weddings, milestone birthdays and anniversaries are excellent times to get together with those who are important to you.  Good food, great folks, and deliciously beautiful cakes are all that you need. Catering by Victoria can help with two out of three.  You just need to invite the guests.  Then let the celebration begin!

SPECIALTY CAKES MENU & OPTIONS

If you have a special event coming up this Spring or Summer, you’ll be so happy to have called us.  We will take care of all the details, design a wonderful cake, and arrive right on time.  Everything will be set into place and your guests will absolutely be delighted.  Your special event will be a fond life memory, remembered by all fortunate enough to be there.  But best of all…it will be a party that you get to actually enjoy.

Customer Comments

If you have never worked with a caterer, let us introduce you to the world of catered events.  We’re excellent at working within reasonable budgets, and creating a magical event.  Catering by Victoria is booking up so call sooner, rather than later, to ensure availability.  We look forward to working with you!

 

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