Decadent bites / pasty chef

Yes, I'd like to order a birthday....

Yes, I'd like to order a birthday....

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..

 

Maria Kemp
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#selfcare births new ideas

#selfcare births new ideas

Typically, on a Sunday evening I'd settle in to string together my thoughts for my blog post.  However, last night my brain was just in the final phase of settling down from overload and words eluded me. 

I accomplished a record number of tasks most of last week, but the massive list reached an epic level on Thursday.   By 9:00pm, every task was checked off and I felt a great sense of accomplishment.  However, I was completely drained and when  Friday arrived, I hit a wall.  Friday I opened one eye enough to dictate 1 text and immediately put my phone on DND (Do Not Disturb) and slept until 11:15am!  Yes, that's right #selfcare just couldn't wait until the official start of the weekend.  I eased into the day and took relaxation in stride and soaked up vital rays of vitamin D while I leisurely enjoyed a late lunch, organized tasks, appointments and emails.  At face value it sounded a bit luxurious, but in turn balanced out since I ended up with a last minute project that lead to working most of the weekend.  

I closed out the weekend enjoying exchanging ideas with new friends.  Now I just need to figure out where and how to implement them.  If I was to offer an assortment package that included 2 or 3 desserts, which ones would you like to be featured?

So this week, I had to extend some grace to myself and hope you will as well.  I only made a small change to the weekly menu this week and didn't get to overhaul the ordering process as I had planned.  

Be kind to yourself and others.  I'd love to hear from you! 

Maria Kemp
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