Notes From Heather’s Kitchen

OH WOW-what a sight to see!  Think if you will, about 75 outstanding young men and women with their dates-all decked out in Marine Corps dress blues and gorgeous ball gowns.  Belmont University’s beautiful Neely Dining Hall provided the backdrop for this event and Sydexho catering staff provided a wonderful meal.  We’ll give a few kudos to Robert Parker who kept the cadets on their feet the entire night with his music and Ron Greene who took traditional poses against the backdrop of a gorgeous staircase. 

I absolutely LOVE the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and look forward to making the cake year after year.  I cannot resist doing something different and a sheetcake to feed 150 just doesn’t cut it in my creative mind.  These fine, outstanding young cadets deserve something more exciting and fun.  This year I chose to do a replica of the dress corps blues complete with gold buttons and cover. 

We used traditional flavors of double chocolate and vanilla, with the top tier being a marble of the two.  The cover was made of rice krispie treats and the entire cake was covered with homemade fondant.  Unfortunately one of my gloves ripped while I was coloring dark navy fondant and my hands were a purplish blue hue for a week.  Such is life.

The Marine Corps make a HUGE deal out of the cake cutting ceremony.  The cake is carried or wheeled in front of the entire group of attendees where the first pieces are cut with a sword and given to the Guest of Honor, the oldest cadet, and the youngest cadet.  They declare it fit to eat (Thanks Nick…whew!!) and it is then cut for the crowd.  I think every decorator should have their cake sliced with a drawn sword just once.  It’s the absolute coolest experience ever!

It will be difficult to come up with a great design for next year but you can bet if given half the chance I will be there once again for this amazing event.

I was running around like crazy as usual in the morning getting kids ready and off to school, running errands, etc, when I saw a massive display of firetrucks this morning.  There were firetrucks lined up all around the city memorial and trucks across the street.  Everywhere I looked there were Firemen, Police officers and reporters.  I wondered what had happened when the horrible realization came to me that it was 9-11.

I immediately felt ashamed and un-American because I forgot what the date was.  It’s not the date so much as the meaning behind it.  Remembering our fallen brothers and sisters should always be in the back of our minds and our hearts.  How sad that it took all of those firetrucks lined up to make me remember.

My blog for today is not about the cake I’m trying to finish or the newest kitchen gadget that everyone should have.  Instead, it’s to remember those we lost on 9-11-2001 and at least for a few moments let go of our busy schedule and remember the important things in our lives.  Our families, friends, and neighbors and taking the time to enjoy the little things in life.

I was sent this in an email today and I think it is worth sharing.

‘MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL’

       You say you will never forget where you were when
       you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
       Neither will I.

       I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
       with a man who called his wife to say ‘Good-Bye.’ I
       held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
       peace to say, ‘Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
       is OK..I am ready to go.’

       I was with his wife when he called as she fed
       breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
       tried to understand his words and as she realized
       he wasn’t coming home that night.

       I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
       woman cried out to Me for help. ‘I have been
       knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!’ I said.
       ’Of course I will show you the way home - only
       believe in Me now.’

       I was at the base of the building with the Priest 
       ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
       I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
       heard my voice and answered.

       I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
       with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
       were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
       believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
      faith has saved them.

       I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan ,  Afghanistan .
       I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
       Did you sense Me?

       I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
       every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me
       for the first time on the 86th floor.

       Some sought Me with their last breath.
       Some couldn’t hear Me calling to them through the
       smoke and flames; ‘Come to Me… this way. take
       my hand.’ Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
       But, I was there.

Have a terrific day.  Do everything you have to do.  Run your errands, pay your bills, pick up your kids from school, but take just a minute to remember the significance of 9-11.  After you remember those we lost, please remember our soldiers.

AH, I’ve recovered from my first bridal show-what a WONDERFUL experience!  The Nashville Weddings the Bridal Show was absolutely amazing.  Thank you to all who stopped by my booth and for the terrific compliments.  I met the most amazing vendors and brides to be. 

Take a look at these pictures from Shannon Hairr Photography…OH MY!  She makes my cakes look prettier than I did.  I am thinking about hiring her to photograph me.  If she can figure out how to make me look as lovely as the cakes, she’s hired!

I have to thank my mom who flew from Chicago to help me with keeping my sanity and packing samples, running for errands, picking my kids up from school, etc.  What a woman!  My sweet friends Laura, Cathy, and Amy I would not have wanted to do this without you.  You kept traffic flowing, samples filled, and smiled the whole time.  You are some of the greatest women I know. 

I had a fun interview with Ashley from Ashley’s Bride Guide.  You can check it out here if you’d like.  True to her word, she did NOT make me look like a dork.  She was very sweet and a lot of fun.  She made me feel completely comfortable and at ease.   Ashley is always up to date on the latest trends, hottest places, and most amazing people.  It is an honor to be included in that group!

The cake truffles were gone in a heartbeat-I guess we should have made about 1000 more.  I don’t know if that would have helped.  I’m not supposed to tell, but there were some very popular personal trainers that came through my booth at least three times to get their fill.  I’m sure they will be working harder than ever at Athena Health Club and Day Spa for the next few weeks.  Hi Donna!

I traded cake for strawberries with my neighbor Christy from Something Blue weddings and events.  They had a fabulous booth and were so friendly and helpful.  Andycam Productions videographers was another dynamic neighbor that enjoyed the traffic from cake overflow.  All in all it was a wonderful and exciting day. 

Congratulations to Kendall Mitchell for winning my wedding cake prize.  She had already contracted her wedding cake to my sweet new cake buddy, Vicki from Signature Cakes, so I am happily working with her to make an incredible dessert table for an upcoming event.  More to come later…

It’s late and I’m having way too much fun.  I HAVE to get to bed!  Consultations in the am!