Whoever said vanilla is boring never tried these classic cupcakes.

I have been concocting "the perfect" vanilla cake recipe as well as working on "the best" vanilla buttercream frosting recipe for months. "Eureka!" I think I've struck gold with this classic cupcake. Vanilla . . . boring? NEVER! Yummy . . . always.

Cake, the final frontier. To boldy go where no cake has gone before.

This sci-fi culinary delight was created for my husband's 31st birthday. He and I are fans of Star Trek in general, but especially enjoy the newest installment on the silver screen. In creating this celebration cake, I crafted color-flow pieces with quotes (from the new movie) from each of the seven main characters. I also included the "Another year has warped by for Richie" piece instead of a traditional Birthday message. For any Trekkies out there, I know that the Star Fleet emblem included on this cake is actually from "Star Trek The Next Generation" and not from the new movie. Personally, I like the TNG communicators better, and they are structurally more sturdy when made out of confectioners sugar and water!

Is there really a pound of buttercream on that cake? Most likey.

My vision for this Holiday creation was of a crocheted table cloth gently laid over the top of the cake. It looks more like Christmas got sick and threw up colored buttercream. Oh well. It's a bit much, but that's what the Holidays are all about, right? Decadence and joy. This cake is definitely decadent (with perhaps a pound of frosting) and when tasted brings the taste buds joy. My favorite part of this cake is the hand-made color flow candy cane, wreath, and poinsettia. Merry Christmas!

Fondant for dummies. Oops! I meant . . . fondant dummy.

This was my first attempt at covering a cake with fondant. Now, when I say "cake," what I really mean is sanded, smoothed styrofoam. This little "dummy" would not be delicious to eat. But it sure looks pretty!

Crazy Christmas Candy Cane Cake (alliterative much?)

In all honesty, I did not bake, carve, or cover this absolutely amazing cake. However, I did assist my sister-in-law with the idea for making it. I also placed the red and green fondant stripes on this delightful creation. I also ate quite a large chunk of it and it was oh, so divine! This fondant-covered, white cake is filled and crumb-coated with peppermint buttercream icing. Also, crushed peppermint sticks are sprinkled throughout the icing. Say "no" to yet another candy cane this Holiday season . . . not when it is this peppermint delight!

A touch of New Orleans all around.

I created this detailed confection for a daughter of a friend. Since the new Disney film is set in New Orleans, I decided to add splashes of the French Quarter wherever possible. The green and purple of the buttercream frosting (as well as the rich yellow of the cake underneath) evoke memories of the colors of Mardi Gras. The green icing beads surrounding the top and bottom of the cake resemble the strands of beads thrown on Fat Tuesday. The detailed scroll-work around the entire edge of the cake mimic the beautiful wrought-iron railings surrounding the balconies of central New Orleans. I can almost see the fireflies and hear the frogs croaking on the bayou!