You’ve likely heard of a little movie that just came out called Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  You know, the one currently smashing all the box office records.  Well, I’ve had the chance to see it (loved it, no spoilers!), and I must say that I’m quite enamoured with this little fellow.  Meet BB-8!

He’s cute, he’s funny, and he’s sweet – especially when he’s made out of cake.  Complete with accurate designs on all sides!

As someone who was scarred by the unfortunate new-character attempts of Episode One (not naming any names, but I’m looking at you, Jar Jar Binks), I was especially delighted by BB-8.  He’s like R2D2’s adorable little brother!  Who could say no to this face?

“Beep beep be boop.”  Aw, thanks, BB-8.  We like you too.  

Click below for a 360 video!

I loved Sesame Street as a kid, so the show still holds a very fond place in my heart.  Elmo was introduced a bit after my time (Grover was always my favourite!), but he’s cute all the same – and he was certainly fun to make as a cake!

And no, I don’t mean heading down to your local DQ (though those ice cream cakes are DELICIOUS)… I mean the smash-hit Disney movie with those catchy songs that kids (of all ages) couldn’t stop singing (ever…).

With Toronto’s first real touch of winter weather lately, what better time to share this snowflake-covered confection?

Like so many little girls, this birthday girl’s favourite character is the lovely Elsa.  In this case, she was piece-cut from fondant, with modelling chocolate hair and hand-painted makeup (I guess most make-up is, really…).

Of course, everyone’s other favourite character is the lovable Olaf, done here in solid modelling chocolate (okay, not entirely solid… there are bits of dry spaghettini in his arms.  There, you know my secrets!).

Speaking of secrets, this photo shows a good close-up of the tiny little snowflakes that covered the cake.  Unlike the bigger ones that were individually hand-painted, these smaller ones used a very sophisticated technique called “dip my brush in the edible paint and flick it repeatedly at the cake”.    Good thing it was white, or it would have made a huge mess!

And speaking of making huge messes…  I wanted to capture the beautiful colours of the rich night sky from the movie.  So, instead of using a plain blue fondant, I actually started each of these with white fondant and airbrushed on several shades of blue and purple.  I loved the effect, but whew, did I find that blue everywhere!!  I used a drop cloth for the immediate area, but I learned through this cake that airbrush colour is very floaty.  Oh well – I think it was worth it!  

Well, Thora – it was a lot of fun making this cake for you, so I hope you had a wonderful birthday (and I hope you get to build lots of snowmen this winter!).

This nice, juicy t-bone is actually a chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream.  It’s covered in a blend of fondant and modelling chocolate and hand-painted to give it that char-grilled look and texture.  The parsley, salt and pepper (actually chopped fondant) top it off!

There’s a side of gumpaste carrot and modelling chocolate tomato…

…along with a gumpaste chef’s knife, and a recipe for a very happy birthday!

Every bit is edible – even the “wooden” cutting board is fondant.

Food that looks like other food is fun.  Doubly tasty!