Magnolia Bakery's ever-popular Red Velvet Cake.

Carrot Cake.

German Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake with gooey, soft Chocolate Icing

Icebox Cakes: Mint on the left, regular on the right.

That is little ol' me decorating Chocolate Pudding Pies. This photo is courtesy of Rich Press, who took the picture on behalf of Bloomberg wire service. We have had several photographers document our opening and decorating process. I haven't shown up in print yet, but it was incredibly nice of Rich to send me one that he took of me.

Last week I started my Cake Icer training. Under that job title, I am responsible for making the icebox cakes, banana puddings, plus the cake icings (which include buttercream, chocolate buttercream, Whipped Vanilla--for the Red Velvet, cream cheese, meringue...). I also get to decorate the cakes, pudding pies and cheesecakes. It is not easy, and when the crowds form, I do feel a little bit stressed. But for the most part I look forward to going to work. I am also eager to see where I will go from here.

Since we opened two and a half weeks ago, I think we have sold a million cupcakes. Okay, maybe not a million, but pretty darn close. My arm feels like it has frosted over a million cupcakes. (I will provide dessert for the person who wants to massage the icing arm.) When we first opened the doors, everything was so surreal. I couldn't believe I left public relations/the office culture to work in an environment that I was eager to leave behind in high school. But this is SO much better than my first job (at McDonald's). For starters, I deal with a lot less fried foods. We also get the occasional celebrity. Apparently Kobe Bryant came in last Sunday. I didn't see him, but I did see Yoanna House (America's Next Top Model Cycle 2 Winner), and I swear Francis McDormand came in. I just hope Upper West Side resident Bono comes in. Or Ed Norton. After watching The Painted Veil he is my celebrity crush du jour. (Good movie, by the way.)

I am pleased to note that I have only tried one dessert per week, so I have not experienced any weight gain. I also attended a party on Saturday and didn't have time to change my clothes. So while being covered in frosting, sugar and banana pudding, I totally chatted with a guy who asked for my number. So even though I don't get health insurance, it looks like this job comes with other benefits. (Now if only Ed Norton would come in while I am covered in sugar...)

My First Cupcakes

My swirls are almost Magnolia-perfect

Trays of the real thing.

So, I'll smell like frosting. That can't be a bad thing.

I have big news. After being a tad disgruntled with un-engaging freelanced public relations assignments, I have decided to something a little different. I have decided that I really need to turn my baking hobby into a career, so I decided to apply for a job in a bakery. It's a pretty interesting change of pace, to say the least. On New Year's Day I was dreading going back to my freelance gig to stare at Excel spreadsheets all day. After many questions and a little prodding from my roommate Carrie, I realized that I needed a bigger creative outlet. Where am I most creative? In the kitchen. I decided that I could afford to work part time in a bakery and decrease my freelance hours and perhaps someday come closer to having my own business.

And the ball started rolling from there.

The next day while browsing for bakery jobs on Craigslist, I saw a notice that Magnolia was hiring bakers and counter staff for their new location on the Upper West Side. I immediately decided to apply. Magnolia is a famous, high-traffic bakery and I can get good experience working there along with a popular name to put on my resume (future investors may be interested in that.) Plus, many of the bakery's former employees have branched off to start their own cupcake places, so I felt that it was the best place for me.

The following day I learned that my freelance assignment was ending. Now I had time to pursue that new path.

On Monday of last week, with resume in hand, I marched myself down to the new bakery to apply in person. After a couple of brief, yet positive, interviews I was sent on my way with a spring in my step. By the time I reached my home, I was hired full-time as a cake icer and may be trained in baking as well. Needless to say, I was very excited at how everything fell into place with this new venture.

I've already had one day of training, and the above photos show my first attempts at frosting cupcakes the Magnolia way. Which, by the way, is not as easy as you might think. Hopefully it won't take too long to improve my technique.

Even though this whole new venture has fallen together rather easily, I would be lying if I didn't admit any apprehensions. I am nervous about learning the techniques and learning how to work in an altogether different environment. Gone are the days when I can eat, go to the bathroom and leave when I wish. I will also have to get an entirely new wardrobe; I can't exactly wear heels. I will also be making considerably less money. I am worried that I won't be able to make ends meet or ever afford to go home for a visit. I also really like to eat baked goods. I don't want to gain fifty pounds.

But those are not my only worries.

Baking is my solace, my best stress reliever. When I am having a rough day, I use the process of measuring, stirring and creating to calm me down. Will my best relaxation tool become my largest stress? What if after six months I decide that this industry is not for me, what will I do next? I hate that it seems like I can't decide on anything.

Big questions. But I will keep you updated on my progress and everything I am learning at Magnolia. I will even let you know if that sweet smell of frosting attracts any viable suitors.

This Just In!!!!

I was wasting time on IMDB.com and I am very glad I did because I learned some very fabulous news:

- PBS has the best possible news for all Jane Austen fans: Beginning Sunday, January 13, "Masterpiece Theater" will broadcast adaptations of all of Austen's six novels, plus a new drama based on her life. This four-month, first-ever U.S. television event includes new productions of Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, and Sense and Sensibility, along with the classic productions of Emma (starring Kate Beckinsale) and Pride and Prejudice (starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle). And Miss Austen Regrets, a new drama starring Olivia Williams and based on Austen's own letters, offers an intimate portrait of the young woman behind the famous novels. Visit the official site to find out more about "The Complete Jane Austen", premiering Sunday, January 13 on PBS.

So set those TiVo's and DVRs to record; this is an amazing television event, and will make up for all the dismal TV due to the writer's strike.

The day after Christmas, my sister and I hit SoHo, which is not represented in any of the images on this blog. We were too busy taking advantage of any after-holiday sale to be concerned with taking pictures. We were also too cold to take our hands out of our gloves, and it is impossible to hit the right itty-bitty camera buttons while mittened-up.

The next day--which I believe was even colder--the sis and I met up with some family friends (The Sparrow's) at the temple and they took us up to their house in West Point, NY. The last time I was there was Thanksgiving 2006, but it was Andrea's first time, so Brenda gave us both a tour of the sights of that amazing miliatry academy. Our first stop was the West Point Chapel. The building is quite lovely, but on sunnier days it is even more beautiful when the sunlight shines through the stained glass windows.


I was thoroughly impressed with the way the hymnals were lined up so perfectly.

After walking around Trophy Park--a park lined with cannons and guns from all American conflicts, we warmed up back at the Sparrow's house. The kids got a Wii for Christmas, so we had some friendly bowling, tennis and golf competitions. I am not good at sports in any way, shape, or form EXCEPT the Wii form. I actually connected with the tennis ball, broke 100 in bowling and WON the golf game. Thanks to Wii, I can feel like an athelete. In a way.


I must admit, Andrea and I didn't do too many touristy activities because 1) I did have to do some work and 2) I have that annual holiday desire to make more cookies than the entire population of New York can consume in one holiday season. Or something like that. We did go see Mary Poppins. (Thankfully, since the tickets were for the 19th of December and we went on the 20th of December. Many happy thanks to the box office of Mary Poppins for changing the tickets!!!) We also saw the Christmas windows, Times Square, Bryant Park, the tree at Rockefeller Center, Chinatown and Sugar Sweet Sunshine. Hey, that's not too bad. We did a lot of stuff in between batches of Cream Wafer Cookies. But I still felt that she needed to see more of the city, so we took the Staten Island Ferry to see the city from the outside.

The ferry was very crowded with passengers pressed against the windows trying to get a glimpes of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Just like or immigrant forebears. The only difference: this boat had a snack bar...and we already live in the United States. We didn't stay on Staten Island very long. Like most of the passengers on the boat, upon arrival we got back on another ferry to get back to Manhattan.

The Staten Island Ferry is free, and thus the best way to see the Statue of Liberty.

I felt a little bad for my sister, when she asked what was available for dinner, I sheepishly offered grilled soy cheese sandwiches or scrambled eggs. I just didn't shop very well before she arrived. So I had to make sure we ate at some of my favorite places. The first restaurant we visited was Peanut Butter & Company. Next we had brunch at The Popover Cafe, followed by a cupcake at Sugar Sweet Sunshine, Chipotle (I know it's a chain, but the burritos are pretty tasty), and The Chip Shop.

Uncle Bruce, take a look at this picture. This alone, to me, signifies that The Chip Shop is better than A Salt & Battery. The fish was actually better seasoned and crispier. And the chips were quite tasty.

Andrea ventured beyond the world of fish and chips and had the chicken and mushroom pie. She said it was good. I wouldn't know because I don't eat food that contain fungi.

This only added to the holiday weight gain.

Since we enjoyed our trip to Mary Poppins, Andrea and I decided to win lottery tickets for Wicked. We stood in the cold for quite some time and did not win. Instead, we went to the movies and watched that National Treasure movie. It entertained, but I look forward to the next Indiana Jones.

Andrea had one top goal (besides a Broadway play) for her trip to the city: a visit to the local ASPCA shelter. I didn't realize beforehand that many people actually wanted to visit the animal shelter here in the city. I appears that my sister is really the only one who has such locations on her tourism to do list. She does like Animal Planet rescue shows. We watched a lot while she was here. Sadly, the address we obtained from Google directed us to an interior design building and not the ASPCA. So we looked at the dogs and cats online. They had a lot of cute animals, so it is probably a good idea that I didn't make it to the shelter. Otherwise I would have a lot of new, furry roommates.

So we went to Bloomingdales, where I proceeded to turn into a cranky New Yorker and told off a lady who refused to keep moving once she got off the escalator. We looked at some expensive shoes and went to Macy's. Even though Macy's is a store I generally avoid, I thought Andrea would enjoy looking at the original escalators. They freaked me out the first time I saw them, but Andrea was only mildly entertained by the attraction. I hoped to spend my Macy's gift card, but I couldn't decide between Martha Stewart stuff or tights, so I left empty-handed.

The last restaurant we ate at is a charming place called Alice's Tea Cup. We had to wait for about an hour for a seat, but it was worth the wait. In hindsight I should have put our name on the list before we left the house. Ooops. I'll remember to do that for my next guests. For our meal, we decided to have the Mad Hatter Tea service for two, which contained three tasty scones, two sandwiches, an assortment of cookies and two pots of herbal tea. It certainly is a lot of food, and we were mighty stuffed afterward.

We had pumpkin, lemon gingerbread, and goat cheese and basil scones.

We actually didn't eat the cookies. Probably because we had sufficient cookies at home.

The yummy caramel flavored rooibos herbal tea.

After our afternoon tea, we took a nice, refreshing walk in Central Park--something I actually don't do often enough.

Aah, the lovely buildings along Central Park West. Someday, when I grow up I should like to live there...because they have the best views of the Thanksgiving Parade.

Probably our best self-photo. I think it is because I am wearing my Sunday MAC liquied eyeliner.

A view of the bag Andrea picked up in Chinatown.

The Bethesda Fountain which was actually not fountaining anything at the moment. I guess the park turns off the water during cold weather.

Since we ate at Alice's Tea Cup, we felt that we should visit the Alice in Wonderland statue in the park. It started to rain, so we didn't stay too long. I am not sure what the glowing orb is in my hand.

Andrea left the following morning, and I must admit, I was a little choked up to see her go. I wasn't sure we would have such a good time together, but I really enjoyed myself. It was really nice to have a guest. Hint, hint, hint.

Merry Christmas from Andrea and Me!

In our Christmas pj's and playing our Christmas harmonicas

Hoods down and ready to sleep...and await a visit from St. Nick.

Andrea enjoying her pistachio cupcake at Sugar Sweet Sunshine

Andrea in front of the famous tree at Rockefeller Center

The tree

Snowflakes decorating Saks

Fun window display at Saks 5th Ave

More of the Snowman windows at Saks

Lots o' snowmen

Here is a look at my Christmas decorations. I came up with the garland idea myself.

The tree all lit up

Without the flash so you can get a better look at the decor.

The first snowfall of the season. Before it turns into brown slush.

Maybe we'll have a white Christmas afterall!

Best. Celebrity. Sighting. EVER!!!!!

Who is this person you ask? It is none other than Michael Kors: fashion designer extraordinaire, master of the quick-witted fashion commentary, and judge of my favorite reality show Project Runway.

I saw him last night as I was walking along 42nd Street across from Bryant Park. I saw a group of people ahead of me and I thought, "hmmm...the fellow carrying that tote bag sounds a lot like Michael Kors." So I quickened pace to pass and glance, and lo and behold it was indeed Mr. Kors. It really put a smile on my face.

No, I didn't go up to talk to him. He was surrounded by an entourage and it was one of my more dowdy days. However, it would have been nice to ask him why Ricky the Weeper is still on the show. Maybe Ricky will get the "Auf..." tonight.

Hooray for Christmas Goodies!

I absolutely love Christmas goodies and Christmas baking. I think that is the one thing that really puts me in the Christmas mood. The music helps too, but I love poring over holiday cookbooks trying to decide what treats to make. Then I usually just go with what I always make: Cream Wafer Cookies, Peppermint Thumbprints, Almond Roca and gingerbread cookies. This year I have already tried to new treats for two different gatherings. I made a minty, chocolate covered wafer cookie and a holiday candy fudge bar. (I can't think of the actual titles at the moment. heehee.) You should try them. You can find the minty chocolate one in the December issue of Everyday Foods, and I posted the other recipe on the food blog I contribute to: Food for Thought. (Check out the link on the side.) Happy Baking!

Of all the goodies, I think the Cream Wafer Cookies are my favorites. It's a family tradition. I also like the fact that when I make them as gifts, people rave over them. (It is not an unknown fact that my self-esteem is strongly linked to the food I make.) So, I will for sure be making them again this year. As for the other treats, I think I will make more of the chocolate minty ones, Nanaimo bars, Peppermint Thumbprints, gingerbread snowflakes and lemon bars. I might make more, but I am still undecided. It all depends on time. My little sister will be in town over the holidays (So, yes, I will stay in NYC for Christmas), and she will have to lend a hand in baking. I don't know if that was one of her goals for her trip to the city...

So, what are you baking this year?

After two hours of waiting, the parade finally begins.


It's Dolly Parton! I guess that would be yet another celebrity sighting

Over here Big Bird!

Sesame Street supposedly takes place in New York. I have yet to find the neighborhood on a map.

Hello, Kitty!

Lifehouse. Really? Do they have a Christmas album or something?

Hi-ho, Kermit the Frog here.

Oh good, Santa's arrived. Now we can go eat.

Using my mad knife skills to carve the turkey.

It's pretty, but let's eat.

I am thankful for Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It really is my favorite patriotic holiday. It's probably because I really like food. But I also always enjoy spending time with my family. In the days leading to yesterday's holiday, I must admit I felt a twinge of homesickness when I thought about the drive from Seattle to Spokane that I had taken to be with family. I missed everyone tons, but I am THANKFUL to have new traditions to make here.

Sure, I stayed here last year, but I didn't stay in NYC. I actually went up to my friend Brenda's house in West Point. I had a really great time, but this year I wanted to stick around for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

To be honest, when I crawled out of bed at 5:45 Thursday morning, I nearly regretted that decision. I really wanted to sleep instead of standing outside waiting to see something I could watch on television. But as soon as the first balloons came by I was as giddy as a little girl to actually be watching the parade live. I was fortunate that we had amazing weather. It was really warm (and I was grateful that I decided against the long underwear). The floats were great--my favorite was the Sesame Street float. I just love Big Bird. I was actually glad that it was a "celebrity" I recognized. If it wasn't for the high school kids next to me I would have never known who Corbin Bleu was.

The parade you watch at home is actually a lot longer than it is in real life--depending where you stand. My roommate Lynette and I stood on the corner of 72nd and Central Park West (just outside the famed Dakota Building where John Lennon once lived) which just so happens to be five blocks south from the beginning of the parade. By the time the first float reached Herald Square we were waving good-bye to Santa Claus. Next time I go to the parade, I will try to be in that same general area. But I will probably get their earlier, bring a camp chair, and check the weather so I can dress accordingly. I may have left the long johns at home, but the big pouffy sleeping bag coat was a little too much for the 60 degree weather.

I did have a really nice dinner to attend. A few people from my former singles ward (including a pastry chef) organized a rather large Thanksgiving get-together. Somehow they managed to put enough tables and chairs in a typically small apartment for about thirty people. Surprisingly, I didn't feel overcrowded. The hosts handed out food assignments, so we had plenty of food. I was asked to bring pies. Let me tell you I was a little apprehensive about bringing dessert to the home of a pastry chef, but luckily everything looked and tasted fine (I brought a pumpkin pie and a French apple tart). Phew! I even had the fun job of carving the turkey. I was a little hesitant because for some reason I have always felt that it was "the man's job" at big fancy meals. None of the boys wanted to wield the knife, so I went to town. Thanks to Martha Stewart and my dad, I handled the task pretty well. Oh, thanks also to some pretty fancy knives that I now want for Christmas. Hint, hint.

It was a really great evening, and I feel even more THANKFUL for the wonderful, talented people I know here in New York. They make a great second family. I also really liked the fact that the trip home takes 20 minutes instead of four and a half hours.

Ooopsies

Did you know that when you write a draft of a blog post, save it, and come back later Blogger will catelogue it as the day you began to write not when you actually posted it. So, in order to read the story behind the following pictures, please scroll past the daffodil entry.

Thanks and enjoy!

PS. In that long story, I forgot to mention that I got sick in Arizona and didn't get to see a former missionary companion and her kids. I was really sad about that.