Saturday, February 26, 2011

Saturday 26th Feb, 2011 - first post - yellow cake.

Today  I   baked   a  yellow  cake    with    my   dad   and  it  turns out   all   this  time  I  have  been  decorating   cakes   wrong, but  I  learned the  right  way  to do  it.   You  need  to  let your  spatula  sit in warm  water  and  keep  dipping  it in the water.  
The cake mix came in a box which I was not happy about but mum was going to the supermarket so I was stuck with dad and the box!  
I did  have to  do a lot of work:
I  had to  crack 3  eggs
measure the   water  and   oil 
and    yes    I   did   use   the  hand   mixer   but  I    finished  it   by   hand - so no,  I   was   not   cheating  was  I?   You tell  me, but  hey  I'm only  a  kid  but   I've  got  A  lot   to  say  about cooking so keep coming back so my grand parents are not my only audience!  You can leave me a message but my mum has to check them first so it won't show up straight away.

Here is a picture of my cake and of me and the cake.  I did make my own icing from scratch - see recipe below.  Cake Boss look out here I come!

Icing Recipe:
1 cup of confectioners sugar or if you are a kiwi (like my grandparents)- icing sugar.
a dash of vanilla essence.
a dash of boiling water - be careful because it thins out easily.
a dash of food coloring
for the chocolate I put in cocoa powder instead of food colouring.

46 comments:

  1. looks fantastic Matisse, brilliant effort. I look forward to seeing of your creations. You are really clever.xx

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  2. Awesome cake! I'm sure it tastes delish too! You are a great Baker, Matisse, I know because I've had your cake before. Great idea for a blog site!
    Love you, Janet Mondron

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  3. Hello Matisse,
    I live in the UK and had a transplant like yours 4 years ago, so am really pleased to hear that you're doing well following your transplant.
    Your cake looks yummy :) I'm looking forward to hearing more about your cooking on your blog.
    Take care,
    Molly x

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  4. Hi Matisse
    That's a great tip about warming the spatula-I didn't know that.
    I really like your blog.
    Looking foward to reading more.
    Love from Napier
    Hester

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  5. Wow that looks way to good to eat.

    You really do have a talent.

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  6. Wow that is a beautiful cake Matisse! You are way more talented at baking than I could ever be.
    Mary Kay

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  7. great job Matisse. I look forward to seeing more of your cooking!

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  8. What a great looking cake, did it taste as good as it looks too?

    I never knew the trick about letting the spatula sit warm water. Guess I learned something!

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  9. Awesome Matisse - I love your blog - and that cake looks amazing!!! Fantastic job!!!! xxx

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  10. Hi TC, I will certainly follow your blog because as you know my cooking skills are not so great...except for Russian fudge, so I need to learn from the expert..YOU!!
    Lots of love your favouritest aunty (hope Angela doesn't read this:)
    Kim xxxx

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  11. Hey Matisse! Good work on the cake decorating - looks pretty flash! I don't think you're cheating by using a box cake mix - that's exactly how I started out baking :) There are SO many recipes to choose from, it's hard to know where to start. But keep them coming....especially the handy tips you learn.

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  12. Hey Matisse, Great blog, and already you have heaps of visitors. We will look forward to following your cooking lessons, especially me who is not nearly as good a cook as you. I am still working out how to leave a message, so have to sign in as 'Anonymous' But I think you will know who I am.
    Happy Cooking.
    Lots of love from Gran XXXXXX

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  13. Hey TC. Tom said that cake looks so yummy that we want to come over and have some of the next one you bake! He told me that I have to come take lessons from you.

    Love Karen & Tom

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  14. Hello Matisse, What a fabulous blog! Your cake looks fantastic. You are a true inspiration. Happy cooking and keep the news coming. Helen (Dr E)

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  15. I didn't know about the spatula trick, either! I'll have to have Lexie try to decorate a cake, now that we know the trick! Looking forward to reading more recipes!

    Charla and Lexie in California

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  16. I love your site Matisse. I learned that trick with the spatula too. It works so much better that way, doesn't it? Are you going to try making a cake from scratch as well? I usually make box cake mixes because they come out so moist! I think the best part is the decorating though. If you get a chance, I think the best place for calimari around here is at Bravo. They have yummy sauces to dip them in too!

    Jen

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  17. Hello Matisse,
    that cake looks really yummy. I see a bright future for you as a cake decorator!
    love
    Kamila Christian

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  18. Hmmmm....I love to bake too and did NOT know the warm water on the spatula trick! Can't wait to try it! Love the decorating of the cake...you are WAY better than me.

    Mrs. Dayton

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  19. hi Matisse, seems i am going to learn something every time you blog, cos i like the spatula tip. Do you have an edmonds cook book at home? When i was your age, i used to bake the one egg chocolate cake so often i knew it by heart. their banana cake too is a great recipe and might be a surprise for americans. When i made it in england, everyone thought it was a weird idea - until they tasted it. Thanks for your blog matisse, xx lisz (you dont know me, i am one of your fans in nz haha)

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  20. Wow I cant believe what a lovely job you did of that cake - the icing looks so professional. My mum taught me the hot water spoon for the icing too! Do you have a set of icing tubes to make different patterns on your cakes? Theyre lots of fun, a bit tricky to start with, but youll get the hang of it. Hope it tasted as good as it looks!! Kirsty xx

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  21. I am sure going to check in again. You are far better at decorating cake than me. I am a Nigella Lawson fan myself so get on the net and google her cookbooks if you need some variety. Bridget

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  22. With cakes life these you should write your own cookbook. I but one.

    Margarett

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  23. Great idea having a blog of your own Matisse - I have about 7 blogs (eeek)... and they are great! I used to keep diaries as a child - when paper was the only thing you could use for diaries... I think blogs are a modern version of this. Gosh - I sound old... LOL

    Cake looks FAB - do you do cupcakes? I love decorating cupcakes but they are quite fiddly.

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  24. Dear Matisse,
    Your cake looks "professional"- agreed, look out Cake Boss-- Your cake looks exceptional! The wet spatula info makes sense!

    I have a question about keeping octopi tentacles "tender" and not chewy. Since it is a fav. food of yours- bet you have an answer for me.
    Love the blog! Great way to share talent.

    Dr. Morrow

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  25. YUMMY That cakes looks fabulous. Have been following your Mums blog. We are regulars up on 26B at Starship and have roomed next to Aria a few times. Thought you might a yummy hot dessert recipe to try

    Jam Roly Scrolly

    3 cups of flour
    3 teaspoons of Baking Powder
    pinch of salt
    6 Tablespoons of soft butter

    Rub this all together ( like you are making scones )
    Then mix with milk to its like a scone mix.

    Roll out into a rectangular shape on bench covered in flour.
    Spread all over with raspberry jam or any jam flavour you love.
    The roll up the longest way. Then cut into rounds
    Place in a baking dish.

    In another bowl but 4 tablespoons of butter, 1 1/2 cups of sugar and 1 1/2 cups of boiling water. Stir till the butter has dissolved. Then pour this over your jam roly scrolly rounds. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
    Serve with lots of custard cream and ice-cream mmmmmmmmmm perfect for a nice cold winter night

    You can also put chocolate chips in the scone mixture as well to make it even more scrummy

    Will send my Grandma's secret Chocolate cake recipe tomorrow as well :)

    Take Care


    Jodie Callagher
    Mum to Vandal 1 aka Ollie 4 1/2 ( FSGS ) and Vandal 2 aka Charlie 2 1/2

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  26. Looks great Matisse! I was so excited to read that you would be starting your own blog. Looking forward to seeing more of your neat tricks! Dipping the spatula in warm water...who would've known!? Keep the handy tips coming. :-)

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  27. hi matisse, that cake looks pretty good. did you have some too??

    great idea to have your own blog, and i'm looking foward to trying some special matisse recipies.

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  28. Yummy! You'll win one of the Food Network Challenges where they bake and decorate cakes in 7 hours...like Disney cakes, cityscapes, holiday cakes, etc.

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  29. Hi Matisse,
    I'm following you from the UK, I just wanted to say tht I think you are an amazing little girl.
    You have a talent for cooking for sure. You should write your own cookbook, people would love it. I think the blog is an amazing way to keep you busy, I'll be sure to keep coming back.
    You look amazing by the way :-)
    Sarah xxx

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  30. Matisse, thats a awesome cake! what is the recipe if you dont mind saying it!;) :) id love to try and make that myself as i too am at home alot of the time and need to occupy myself and i also love cooking, baking :) singing and dancing! am always thinking of you matisse :) and i hope that you get better real soon! lots of love
    Renee
    xxx

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  31. wow that's great decorating skill - and box cake not really cheating lol - Dad and box cake- poor Dad i'm sure he tried his best lol

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  32. tina lea Napier New ZealandMarch 2, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Hi Matisse,
    I read your recipe the other day, the new one you can up with. I call it Matisse's salsa.(hope you don't mind) it was beautiful.
    as for you fisrt attempt at icing a cake with sugar icing, well done. we will have to swap photos one day of my first icng attept. (it was a christmas cake...we needed a chainsaw to cut the icing... lol)
    keep up the great work and remember.
    a good cook is a clean cook (that's what my Chef boss always drumed into us.
    looking forward to more creations.

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  33. Good one Matisse ........ my name is Karen I live in Napier and know your Nana Kathie (she is awesome by the way) looks like you are going to grow up a be a great cook like all Kiwi girls, keep up the good work

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  34. that looks so fabulous Matisse! we are food network junkies also! we love chopped, iron chef america, cupcake wars, and so many more! so excited to read your blog! you go girl!!
    lots of love,
    Deb

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  35. Hey Matisse!
    I am so excited to read your recipes! I hope I have time soon to try a few of them out! Keep up the great work, watch out Cake Boss!!

    -Jen

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  36. Hi Matisse

    you, your blog and your cooking are an inspiration. I used to cook and bake a lot over the years. However, since living in Melbourne I either dine out or eat too many takeaways.
    My niece (Rose) loves to bake, so will get her connected to your blog.
    tcl Di xo

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  37. Hi matisse
    The cake is decorated beautifully. you really have a gift. I loved reading your story in Parade and am so happy for you that your health is improving. i admire your courage and encouarge you to keep up the cooking. you will be a great chef one day (well looks like you already are). i also love to cook/bake and love to see and hear about yummy new recipes to try. ps. when i bake, i often use box cakes... it all taste the same and cuts back on the cooking time. it's totally ok to do that, its the finished product that counts. continue to cook and dream, and take care of yourself ok?
    Tahmia (from Seattle, WA)

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  38. Hi Matisse,
    Just read your story in Parade today. I live in San Antonio, Florida. I wish you a speedy recovery and lots of healthy time to cook and bake. Your confidence is very inspirational. The cake looks devine and you did a fabulous job decorating.
    Norma

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  39. Hi Matisse,
    I also read your story in Parade magazine today and I am very proud of your efforts! I live just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. I started baking when I was 9 years old and have continued baking my entire life. I have to admit that I've never tried to cook squid! Take care and I look forward to more of your posts.

    Linda Williams

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  40. Hi Matisse,

    My name is Jerry Allemann. I was inspired by your story in Parade magazine today. Here is a cake recipe you might like to try, a specialty in St. Louis, Missouri, where I live.

    Gooey Butter Cake
    1 (2 layer size) box super-moist yellow cake mix
    1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
    3 eggs, 1 of them slightly beaten
    1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
    1 teaspoon vanilla
    1 (1 pound) box powdered sugar, plus additional for sprinkling on top of cake.

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With a fork, mix together cake mix, butter, and slightly beaten egg until crumbly. Spread mixture in well greased 9 by 13 inch pan. In a bowl, with mixer on medium speed, combine cream cheese and remaining two eggs until mixture is creamy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually add 1 box powdered sugar and beat until mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 to 5 minutes. Pour cheese mixture on top of batter in pan. Bake 35 to 50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into cake section comes out clean. Be careful not to over bake. Sprinkle top with additional powdered sugar. Let cool, then cut into squares to serve.

    If you like the gooey part extra gooey, you can use an 8 ounce and a 3 ounce package of cream cheese in the topping. We like to use a glass Pyrex pan to bake it in.

    Hope you try it out, it's my favorite cake!

    Jerry

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  41. "Parade" sent me....

    and I like your tip about the heated spatula as well.... I've been cooking for 55 years and I never heard that one before. Baking was my first love....'cuz I liked desserts. Now to go read some of your other posts.....

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  42. thanks for that suggestion! i hate making stuff from boxes too, so i always add something homemade to dress it up!

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  43. I think that you are cooking skills are amazing and i read anrticle about you we are at school at west virgina charsleon

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  44. your a great cook i didnt know that you had your own recipes, a blog and a cook book so MERRY CHRISTMAS MATISSE

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  45. Hi Matisse!

    I love the way you decorate your cakes. My grandmother had Pavlova at my uncle's house in Australia and loved it. I was exited to see the recipe and printed it for us.

    My mom lived in Pittsburgh when she was little. Hi Matisse!

    I love the way you decorate your cakes. My grandmother had Pavlova at my uncle's house in Australia and loved it. I was exited to see the recipe and printed for us.

    My mom lived in Pittsburgh when she was little.

    Melissa from Denver, Colorado

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  46. awesome cake Matisse!i cant wait to read your other posts!

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