Whenever I make a specialty cake, people ask me how I did it. At least one person asks me if I would videotape the process, and others ask me if they could join me the next time I make one.
Since it takes hours, and I'm a little camera shy at times, I think videotaping is out. I'm also not sure anyone would like to join me for the entire process. And, truth be told, I enjoy my alone time in the kitchen. It's one of my most relaxing pleasures.
So . . . How do I do it? The secret to this 40-something's success is planning. That simple. It's not only how I succeed in the kitchen, but it's also the way I do my best in all areas -- planning as much as possible, but being flexible to handle whatever comes my way.
When my god-daughter asked me to make her a "Hello Kitty Yankee Girl Cake" for her birthday, I knew this one had to be well thought out and planned to the very last detail. This took several hours researching Hello Kitty and Yankees uniforms, creating a comp, and searching for the decoration items.
Who knew it would be so difficult to find blue shoelace licorice?!? For the pinstripes, of course. Well, with some help from a good friend, I found a few potential local sources and had a out-of-town delivery backup plan.
Once I had everything I needed, I took time off from work. That's right, I took time off from work to make this cake. I needed a break to do something for myself, enjoy some peace, and regain my balance. Leisurely baking was just what I needed.
Here's what happened next:
It's all in the plan . . . 
I've learned the hard way that the cakes must be completely cooled . . .
I put the cake board cover on early, so I wouldn't forget.
The cakes needed to be leveled. Don't worry, nothing was wasted.
Layering the cake with white icing by request. 
It's time to give her some shape . . . 
All cut out and no place to go . . . 
More icing . . . of course.
Ready to become Hello Kitty.
That's all it took . . . 
Hello Kitty is proud to wear her pinstripes.
Getting ready to roll out the fondant for the hat and shirt emblem . . . 
She's almost there . . . She just needs her bow and hat emblem.
And her ball . . . a Lindt white chocolate truffle, which I decorated with a red food marker.
I couldn't bear to think of sticking candles in her, so she needed a brownie home-plate base. 
She's ready for her first game . . . 
. . . and to make my god-daughter smile.This is where the stress begins . . . I have to make it to the car and her house without destroying it. I usually hold my breath the entire way.
So, that's it. Hope you enjoyed this sneak peak into how the Hello Kitty Yankee Girl Cake came to life.
