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Jones Beach

I was asked for a birthday cake for someone who loves Jones Beach and the Jersey Shore.

I made a large rectangle sponge and swirled in some seawater-green coloring for added interest when the cake was cut. While it was baking, I crushed some shortbread to make the sand. (As a Brit, I never need an excuse to make shortbread!)

After covering half the cake in buttercream and shortbread crumbs, I rounded off the other side to give the impression of horizon, and created a raging sea in a range of green/blue frosting, dabbing on white for the breaking waves.

A couple of loungers under a beach umbrella and the scene was complete.

The party loved it!

Simon

Made for the Pelham Art Center 80’s themed Studio Cafe in 2023, inspired by the classic Simon memory game.

Using my standard Victoria sponge recipe, I made a chocolate layer for the base then divided the second half into four, which I colored to match Simon’s buttons. I sandwiched the two together with buttercream once they were baked and cooled, being careful to note the orientation so I could line up the buttons with the corresponding cake color.

I then covered it with black fondant, sprayed the center silver and added the various details molded from more colored fondant.

I had earlier piped out the letters of Simon’s name in royal icing on parchment paper. When they were dry, I painted them with food-safe silver spray and used some extra icing to secure them in place.

I’m told it was delicious!