It's been awhile.

I haven't posted in forever. I have been busy-ish with school and life. Lots of pictures to be added tonight. Facebook friends have seen some of them, so I do apologize to them for having to see the same pics. Work has been kind of slow, hopefully it will pick up again soon. We're in cakes right now at school. For the most part it has been enjoyable, but it has its moment. The school setting is difficult for me because I'm used to be in charge at home, i'm not an 18 year old kid who hasnt been on their own. I am making good grades though and that's really what matters. Still on the search for an externship, it starts in August so I really need to get into gear. I'm also looking to get some practice in,so if anyone local would like to help me out, get in touch with me.

Friday I am participating in my school's version of 'Chopped'. I'm nervous, but it should be fun. I am not aiming to win, I just want the experience. It'll be an early morning, and I'll definitely be taking a nap at some point. I don't get near as much sleep as I probably should. Anywho, on to some pics of the goodies I have done recently. Up first: Carrot cake: Iced with cream cheese icing

Up next: German Chocolate cake

Coconut Pecan icing, pecan and chocolate shavings for garnish

Orange Chiffon: There should be orange suprems on top, but I'm allergic...Cutting them=Hives

Iced with Cream Chantilly and some chocolate shavings.

Here we have a Sacher Torte

Last but not least the Bouche De Noel. I have pics of the start and the end. I have wanted to make one since watching Julia Child make it.

I didn't realize until I had gotten home that I forgot leaves on part of the vine. Hah! Chocolate spongecake with raspberry filling, coffee french buttercream and meringue mushrooms. We had this as dessert tonight and it was delicious. I delivered the Sacher Torte to a friend and she said it was really good. Carrot cake went to my stepdad and he loved it, and the German chocolate went to my stepsister. She said her boyfriend devoured it. No one ever got to eat the Orange chiffon, but I bet it would have been yummy. Oh and I almost forgot, the pics of the cake my daughter and I made.

Chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream and cream chantilly.

I guess that's all for now. I'll try and work on keeping up with this regularly, instead of slacking. Thanks for looking. <3

Eclairs, Swans & a Competition?

Today we made eclairs, swans and cream puffs filled with diplomat cream. I of course have some pictures to share, the eclairs look kind of 'eh' but I swear to you they taste delicious. I had to make-up a class last night for the last course (artisnal breads), it had been pushed a few times due to snow. I made bagels and croissant dough. It didn't surprise me at all that I was a tad frustrated with the bagels. I have yet to find myself comfortable with bread. I hope that in time it will feel a bit more natural and I wont feel so stressed out. Eclairs and swans today were fun. It's obvious I'm new to it though. Good thing I have school and great Chefs to help me out. People baking on TV make it look SO easy. Ha! Anywho, through all my frustration in  the breads course I still pulled an A for the course. I averaged 108 on quizzes, got a 91 on the final practical and a 97.something on the final exam. It feels awesome to finally be doing well at something. I have spent too many years feeling down and out.
Here are the pics of the goodies I made today. Reminder: My cell takes crappy pics.

Eclairs

Swans:

I was supposed to work 7-4 this coming Sunday, but I was informed when I called Chef this am to confirm my hours that I am not working there until 4. He said I will be there until 10am and then I am going with him to the Worcester's Best Chef competition. Originally I was supposed to go there at 4 after my brunch shift to help out. Now I am going to do the whole thing with him! How exciting is that? I am super nervous and totally excited for this oppurtunity. Everyone please wish me luck that my panic attacks stay at bay. It is going to be very crowded and probably pretty overwhelming. Hopefully we'll get some pics while we're there. worcestersbestchef.com  for those who might be interested in details. Ok, I went on and on about myself enough for one day. <3

Snow day...again

I wish I could be those one of those happy go lucky people who vomit rainbows when it snows. I hate winter. I find it very hard to be positive Nov-March every year. Cold makes my body hurt, my brain work overtime and everyone around me would rather run the other way and I can't blame them. I just turn into this big whiney mess. Maybe I should invest in a sun lamp. Anywho.

I tried making some fondant at home... Yeah. It tasted like fondant, I guess. I couldnt get it stiff enough and it just kept tearing. Needless to say the kids ended up playing with it. They had a blast with it and I swallowed my pride and bought a container of premade. I am going to put the cookie samples together in a little while. I would have taken and shared a picture of the fondant disaster, but I don't yet know how to add pictures here. Maybe someone can (hint, hint) help me out?

My weekend is going to consist of work. I'm hoping to be able to get out and have an hour or so myself though. Maybe later tonight since I don't have to be in until 2 tomorrow instead of the usual 9. Sundays are always 7am which means Saturday nights are for sleep. August 29th will start my externship. I'm looking forward to not having to commute an hour to school and an hour back 5 days a week. I hope to start at work fulltime though. Kiddos will be in school all day and with my not going to school everyday I can work. I guess I'll see when the time comes. 

Ok, ok. I need to get off of here and get things done.