Foodie

Monday, September 03, 2007

Alexander's 2nd Birthday






Alexander is already two, the horrible or the terror two but no matter how terrible, you just can't get angry with his mischievious endeavors. He gives you the most attractive smile and says 'sorry' in the cutest way. At such a young age, he knows what he wants. He is into Lighting Mcqueen, Thomas the Tank Engine, Go Diego Go and Bob the Builder - all the boy's stuff. So, it was easy to choose the design for his birthday cake. Lighting Mcqueen is made with pastillage and pretty easy to do and can be done, weeks before the party. The cake is the same as all Renee's birthday Cakes but since it is a cake for a boy, i changed the fruit to blueberry instead of strawberry. Recipe for the cake and buttercream is here http://lilyng2000.blogspot.com/2006/03/renees-birthday-cakes.html



Ingredients:

Pastillage:


1/2 tbsp gelatin
2 tbsp water
2 cups powdered sugar (lightly spooned into cup)
1/4 cup cornstarch (lightly spooned into cup)
pinch of cream of tartar (optional)

Food Colorings


Method:

Sprinkle the gelatin over water in a small heatproof glass cup and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
Set in a small pan of simmering water and stir until the gelatin is dissolved. (This can be done in a few seconds in a microwave on high power). Remove from heat.

Combine the sugar, cornstarch and optional cream or tartar in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Add the gelatin mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until blended. Mix with lightly greased hands and knead vigorously in the bowl until the sugar is incorporated.

Turn onto a smooth, lightly greased surface such as Formica or marble and knead until smooth and satiny. If the pastillage seems very dry, add several drops of water and knead well. If it seems too sticky, knead in more powdered sugar. The pastillage will resemble a smooth, well-shaped stone. When dropped, it should not spread.

Pastillage is easier to work with if it has rested for at least 1 hour. It dries very quickly, so it is important to cover to prevent drying. Wrap in a cloth rubbed with a bit of white shortening, then tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in an airtight container.

When ready to roll out, spray the work surface and rolling pin with nonstick vegetable oil spray. Pastillage can be rolled as thin as 1/16-inch. It dries and holds it shape very quickly.

If stored Pastillage seems very stiff, a few seconds in the microwave make it pliable.
To make Lightning Mcqueen:
Get a picture of Lightning Mcqueen and enlarge to a size that will fitt on the cake.
Cut out the outline of the different colors on the picture and use these cut outs as a template.
Color the pastillage accordingly and roll it to flat, big enough to fit the templates.
When all the templates are complete, assemble them together as in a zig zaw puzzle.
Leave to dry.
Serves

10 comments:

yi said...

happy belated birthday. ^_^

Beau Lotus 涟 said...

Lily as usual you are a genius. Cake looks too good to be eaten. Very lucky Bday Boy and happy Belated Bday to him!

Edith said...

they are soooo lucky to have a grandma like you. such a doting and devoting one.

East Meets West Kitchen said...

Happy Belated birthday to Alexander again! Lovely cake! :)

Yan said...

happy belated bdae to ur boy boy. =D

Matthew Heng said...

Hi Lily,

Happy Belated Birthday to your little boy. My ds, Matthew who will be 4 next month has also requested if he can have either a McQueen design or a Thomas the Tank design cakes for his birthday. Here in France, it is not easy to find such designs. Wish you were here to teach me how to make the colourful McQueen design:=) Lena

Matthew Heng said...

Hi Lily,

Happy Belated Birthday to your little boy. My ds, Matthew who will be 4 next month has also requested if he can have either a McQueen design or a Thomas the Tank design cakes for his birthday. Here in France, it is not easy to find such designs. Wish you were here to teach me how to make the colourful McQueen design:=) Lena

Unknown said...

lena

it is actually very easy. give it a try

Anonymous said...

Hello Lily

I'm so happy I found your blog site and can now try to attempt making all the delicious goodies at home. Where I am, New Zealand, its either not there or its too expensive.

I have a son who is now 2 plus who would love to have this particular cake as he's crazy about 'cars'. Will borrow your idea for his next bday, if its ok w you.

On another topic, can i ask your advise regarding how to 'fatten' up my son? his weight is just on the dot for his age and height. But his appearance could do w some additional weight. I'm a desperate mother struggling to come up w ideas to cook palatable food for a 2+. His meal portions is not enough. Please help?

thank you.

Unknown said...

happybakes

i can understand how you feel, cos i get these help appeals from my other daughter whose girl is also not into eating. i think it is how children are at that age, there is so many more interesting things to do than eating. do not worry so much for him, for as long as he is not sickly, he will catch up. Alexander's sister, Renee did not put on an extra lb for the longest ever since she refused milk at the age of 2.

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