Congratulations Graduates!

There are many ways to celebrate graduates. At Toni Sweets, we love finding unique ways to make each graduate feel special. From cookies in the shapes of caps and scrolls in High School or University colors, to shaped cakes in the graduates' area of interest. This year we will be making a cake in the shape of a Stethoscope and Prescription Pad for a medical school graduate! 

One of my favorite ideas for graduates is creating a “Game of Life” cake that celebrates the exciting journey they are about to embark on customized to their individual goals. The pictured cake below was a surprise Groom's Cake depicting his life with his bride at the finish line. 

We are proud of our seniors that work here at Toni Sweets, and congratulate the Class of 2010!

Anemone Bridal Shower Cake

We were excited to make a bridal shower cake for one of our regular customer’s daughter using sugar paste anemone flowers. The floral inspiration for the cake was drawn from her wedding bouquet. Coincidentally anemone are one of my personal favorite flowers as well.

Using an invitation in the decorating process is a great way to tie the cake to the theme of an event. This shower was a beautiful black and white themed party and the cake made for a dramatic accompaniment

Mother's Day

I don't think there could be a more perfect time of year to celebrate mothers.  The trees are budding and the flowers are in bloom all over town!  I know that my mother loves this time of year, and loves to spend as much time as possible outside working in her flower garden.  She has passed that passion on to me, so when I was designing a cake to celebrate Mother's Day for the shop, I knew it had to be covered in beautiful buttercream flowers.  I love how cakes with this pastel design have such a soft, Victorian feel.

As another homage to my mother, I've put together a cookie basket with garden-themed cookies in a little pail.  It's perfect for summertime, and re-usable as well!

Gift Baskets

We have been making TONI gifts and baskets for a while now and we are pleasantly surprised at how popular they are becoming. Back in November, a corporate customer had us do thank you baskets for their clients. We loved the combination of our signature blend coffee with their branded mugs.

I have been looking for ways to expand our offerings and give our customers options for any occasion. I think the Easter Baskets we created for this weekend are adorable and I am excited about our ideas for Mother’s Day Gifts.

Spring Desserts

I find it interesting that we crave different foods during different seasons. My favoite spring desserts usually incorporate tropical fruits. I wonder if my body is craving the sunshine it takes to create these exotic fruits!

Our spring menu definitely reflects this theory. We have everything from Key Lime or Coconut Cream Tarts, to Pina Colada Cheese Cakes and Mango Raspberry Tortes.

Just looking at our Spring Bouquet Cake makes me smile! The fresh lemon mousse, light vanilla genoise, and lemon buttercream frosting add to its sunny appeal. This cake is a perfect centerpiece for an Easter or Spring celebration, especially when combined with Jane's Blue Iris' florals and sitting atop our two tiered stand!

Spring Fever at Toni

There is nothing better than getting outdoors in the spring. I’m working hard to get all of the flower boxes on my deck planted so that I can start to host dinners out there.

Being a morning person, I’m also planning a brunch for friends on my deck in the near future. I was inspired to plan a brunch when my kitchen manager, Kim was pitching her idea for a goat cheese, caramelized onion and roasted red pepper savory tart to sell in the store. Accompanied with sweet breakfast pastries and fresh fruit, I think it will be a hit.

Now we just need the weather to hurry up and cooperate!

St. Patrick's Day

Pour some Bailey's in your coffee, it's time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! We have been busy baking all of our Irish favorites. New this year is Kennedy Rye. I got the recipe from Albert Cumin, pastry chef in the Kennedy White House. This rye bread was a favorite of the President, so we have named it after him. We also created a Ruben Sandwich which I think will be a great addition to our lunch menu and goes perfectly on the Kennedy Rye bread.