Decadent bites / mother's day

Mother's Day is one of those dates appearing on the calendar each year that triggers a lot of deep meaningful thoughts for me and I think many others as well. 

My own mom graduated to be with Jesus in December 2016 after a severe stroke in 2010 altered the remaining 6.5 years of her life.  I remember her always quoting a line from my grandmother, "Give me my flowers while I'm alive so I can enjoy them!"  Prior to her stroke, I gave her proverbial flowers...sometimes.  Other times, I could only manage to come bearing the dirt they grew in.  It wasn't until her stroke that I swore off dirt and focused solely on the fragrant bouquet in various forms.

So today, I find myself pondering...

I wonder how many of us are seizing the opportunity to give those we love their flowers while they can still enjoy them. 

Today I also think of those longing to be a mom, but were never blessed with a child, or those suffering strained relationships with their children, or those children that were taken way too soon, or those wishing for one more moment with their moms.  If you found yourself in any of those scenarios, I hope your heart found some peace, joy and love today despite the date on the calendar.  If none of those scenarios fit, I hope you will squeeze your mom or children a little tighter and definitely a little longer today.

As for dessert-related news, I'm continuing to tweak the ordering process to reduce the wait time between ordering and receiving your order.  You would think it would be easy, but it is a lot of moving pieces to think through.  I'm also adding another free pickup day at Pita Pit. 

Moms rock and much love to my own adult daughter - Devin.💜

Almost everyday I get a call from someone who wants to order a birthday cake.  I always ask a few standard questions to see if they are looking for something in my wheelhouse or not.  Those who know me have heard one of my favorite lines, "If you want a cake shaped like a duck or with rockets shooting out of the top, I'm not the pastry chef for you."  Why?  I simply don't have a passion for sculpted cakes, fondant work, or any cake requiring anywhere close to 2 hours to complete.  So I don't do them -- problem solved.    

Most callers assume every bakery makes every imaginable cake or dessert.  (Of course there are some that do or at least try to.)  But the reality is -- everyone has their speciality.  If you are in the market for a new Honda SUV, are you going to go to the Maserati dealership and expect them to carry a Honda CR-V?  They both sell cars, but specialize in a specific product line/offering.

Two of the segments I enjoyed the least in pastry school were bread making and wedding cakes.  Now don't get me wrong, I have a deep admiration for the talented cake artists and dough whisperers that can make either media bend to their touch.  However, I am neither of  those artists.  One of the lessons I took away from pastry school besides a certificate and a lighter wallet was a realization that it was OK to not master every concept our education instilled.  I discovered my passion is set on fire when I create new flavor combinations/profiles or unique ways to present familiar desserts,  bite-size desserts or desserts that can endure shipping.  

We each have our strengths and unique skills that we continue to fine-tune each time we step into the kitchen.  The thought of being elbow deep in massive layers of cake, 5 different colors of fondant, and stressing over figurines is enough to make me check my wine stock.

I hope you enjoy the Mother's Day menu!   Everything will ship on Monday, 5/3 or enjoy free pickup at Pita Pit on Saturday, 5/8.

Quack quack, quack..