#MonthlyMiettes – March Round-Up – Tomboy Cake

I decided I’d wait to write about my experience making the Tomboy Cake until I posted the round-up for March. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but now I’m feeling a little bashful after seeing the beautiful cakes made by everyone else who participated in this challenge! Ladies – bravo!

I have to be mindful of the fact that I started this challenge to challenge myself in the baking department, fully knowing I might not have the prettiest cake or that it might not turn out every time. My goal is to come out on the other end of this book as a more accomplished baker. I was definitely quite proud of my Tomboy when I made it, however, and even more proud when I tasted it! 

When I first set about to make this cake – which was actually early in January – it was right around the same time that a pastry chef I was working with befriended me. Sue Morrison, of Sue Morrison  Baking Arts (who will have a gorgeous, new website any day now – check back soon!) has been an awesome person to get to know, both as a friend and as a professional. We had thrown around the idea of having baking dates from time to time, because, being equal parts baker and teacher, Sue could help me learn more about certain aspects of pastry, or just baking in general. When I told her I was having the jitters about making my first Miette, she suggested she come over to bake alongside me and teach me a trick or two. That was an offer I simply could not refuse! It’s not every day you get pick the brain of a pastry genius in your very own kitchen!

Sue showed me how to make roses from modelling chocolate, and aren’t they just the loveliest? My first try is below and it was much easier to do than I expected! Check out this About.com article on how to make roses like these.

Now, let me tell you something about this cake: it is phenomenal. Luscious chocolate cake (the richest, moistest, most decadent you’ll ever taste) with beautiful, pink buttercream to contrast (in both colour and flavour), this cake was one of the tastiest things ever to come out of our kitchen.

2) Bake the challenge of the month and post about it on your blog/website by the 25th. Our challenge for April is TARTS – you choose which one – due April 25th, 2012.

3) Eat a slice of your tart for breakfast (as often or as seldom as you wish, but at least once!), photograph it, and enjoy this little morning ritual to the fullest. 

Leave me a comment below if you would like to participate and/or if your post is up! 

Happy baking!