This week I got a chance to take a break from cakes and spend time with out-of-town family. We went to Panoply on Saturday. I really enjoy Panoply - one of the best events in Huntsville, in my book. I enjoyed watching the Umdabu Dance Company although we only caught the last part of it.
I also enjoyed watching my pregnant sister-in-law eat! I love food, too (although I have to be careful because I have so many food allergies), so we had fun sampling all the various food items in the park. She had a great gyro from one of the Greek stands. I don't do lamb so I had a Philly steak and cheese. It was one of the best I've ever had - so well seasoned.
On Sunday we went out to the Limestone County Flea Market. Ya gotta love a good flea market! My sister-in-law is a shop-a-holic so I enjoyed watching her shop - and eat! Out of all the things to see there, the thing that really caught her attention was the half price candy apples! (I know it may seem like I'm picking on her, but I absolutely ADORE my sister-in-law. I adore ALL my sisters-in-law). I've never been a big candy apple fan, but the ones at the market were delicious. I usually pick caramel apples. I love rich food like caramel and chocolate. I made a caramel cake on Saturday at the request of my brother-in-law and it was oh so good! It's been a long time since I've made one so I was a little out of practice. It's tricky getting the temperature and consistency right when dealing with any kind of candy. But it came out pretty good. My brother-in-law says it doesn't matter how it looks because it's always going to end up in the same way!
Sunday night I held my family hostage and forced them to watch the Food Network Challenges with me. Actually, everyone enjoyed them. If you missed them, check out the show schedule for air times as they will be showing them again. The Surprise Engagement Cake challenge was truly amazing and full of drama! You'll have to check it out.
The guy who won both challenges is a pastry instructor at the Notter School of Pastry Art in Orlando, FL. His name is James Rosselle and is a sugar artist who previously worked with one of my favorite sugar artists, Ron Ben-Israel. James' sugarpaste flowers are simply phenomenal and always botanically correct! So much talent for me to aspire to.
Until next time...
