For Introductory Purposes

Hi, my name is Cori and I have an addiction to all things sugar.

Savory flavors come to my kitchen to die while sweet flavors thrive and flourish. I can't help it: I have loved to bake and eat sweets my whole life. There is something extra fantastic and soothing in a well prepared cupcake that, unfortunately, even a damned good steak falls just barely short of. Just barely, mind you. I think the ultimate my-day-sucked pacifier would be a damned good steak and side of mashed potatoes quickly followed by a bright flavored cupcake and scoop of ice cream in a complimentary flavor.

And of glass of wine. Let's be realistic here, people.

I think my addiction for baking really took flight about 5 years ago when my mother got an expanded cable package that included Food Network and TLC. Flipping through one day, we happened to land upon a cake show. I have no idea any more what that show was other than some crazy baking contest. Maybe it was an early episode of Extreme Cakes or Ultimate Cake Off. No clue.

The point is: I saw cakes that were six to ten feet tall with crazy tilting tiers, fondant and chocolate decorations jutting out at every angle, the entire monstrosity turning elegantly like a ballerina and lit with with LED lights. I had no idea cake could go so far! It was amazing and inspiring.

Of course, that was just the beginning. My repertoire grew to include Ace of Cakes, Cake Boss, Sweet Genius and, finally, Cupcake Wars. The things I saw buttercream do were immeasurable. The flavor combinations made me drool and search out recipes. The vibrant colors caught the attention of the artist in me. 

Don't even get me started on the chocolate miracles I saw performed.

Now, moving through my thirties and watching all other forms of art I enjoy slip away courtesy of free computer programs and digital cameras, I have fallen back to my addiction for sugar. I stare at the wall of cake decorating items at my local Michael's Arts and Crafts, in awe of the numerous tools and baking pans. So many different colors of petal dust, gel coloring, and cupcake papers. Dozens of pastry tips to choose from; how can I pick out the essentials for starting? 

And the tubs of fondant. What the hell is that stuff that works on tv like the play-dough I used as a child? What does it taste like, really? Ooohh, buttercream fondant. On clearance? That's going home with me.

Thanks to some sales at Michael's and a gift from my brother, I am equipped with the following: 14 pastry tips, 2 different sized featherweight pastry bags, 1 spatula, 2 fondant tools, 2 brushes, 1 fondant flower mold, 8 flower support cups, 3 different sprinkles, 1 silver petal dust, 2 brushes, 2 small tubs of fondant, 1 bag of melting chocolate, 1 decorating technique book.

And I am dangerous. Let it begin!