dapur berasap

HAppy New Year Folks!

2010-12-23T17:25:00.001+08:00

theworkingdapur will be closed till the 14th of January!

see you then!

Car Cake : Z3

2010-10-22T19:48:00.000+08:00

A Favorite SoftToy Cake: Ellie

2010-10-22T19:44:00.003+08:00

A Soccer Ball Cake with Matching Soccer booties for a 1 year old.

2010-10-22T19:41:00.001+08:00

A FRiend's Set of Cuppies

2010-10-22T19:39:00.001+08:00

Spongebob Cake with Krabby Patties

2010-10-22T19:35:00.002+08:00

Jewellery Box Cake

2010-10-22T19:32:00.002+08:00

Patrick Cake with Krabby Pattiies ( SPONGEBOB SERIES)

2010-10-22T19:29:00.001+08:00

Wiggles Cake : Happy Birthday Baby D!

2010-07-23T19:42:00.013+08:00

Layered Rose Petal Wedding cake

2010-07-23T19:42:00.010+08:00

Tropical wedding cake

2010-07-23T19:42:00.008+08:00

Miss Piggie in a bikini !

2010-05-28T20:22:00.003+08:00

Safari Animal Cupcakes!

2010-05-28T20:20:00.002+08:00

Spiderman Cake : Hero Themed

2010-05-28T20:16:00.001+08:00

Princess Theme : Tiara n a cushion

2010-05-28T20:13:00.003+08:00

Engagement Cupcakes

2010-05-28T20:05:00.003+08:00

Engagement cake and cupcakes in lilac. LIners were made to match the lilac silver wedding theme.

Giant cuppies!

2010-05-28T20:03:00.002+08:00

Cupccakes for Charity

2010-05-28T19:53:00.001+08:00

These were made for for sale for Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital.

It's March already?

2010-03-12T21:25:00.002+08:00

Hey readers!

THanks so much for your support and constructive comments. And as most of my clients know, I have been busy with orders or the normal kind and have no time to upload pictures that reflect my earlier works! Sorry guys! Too busy, unless it is some special order, then only will I post. This month onwards, I would just do a single post comprising f my works for the month, and only if they have that 'ooh and aah' factor to the readers : read : reader-worthy posts!

I wish you all well, and thanks so much for always supporting cakes by theworkingdapur !

sweet kisses and sugar coated hugs from me!
xoxo!

January gone, hello February!

2010-02-01T23:09:00.001+08:00

Boy oh boy! 2010 seems to be on speed mode! Sorry guys, had a really full JAnuary, with repeat orders here and there and had no time to post any pictures just yet! Will be posting soon enough! Come back and check the blog soon! Hugs!

Candy Castle Cake

2010-01-03T09:01:00.003+08:00

Candy castle, with berry blast MENTOS, chuppa chups and marshmallows! Better pics at my flickr.com/theworkingdapur/photos

Edible cone roof too!

LIttle Princesses Cakes

2010-01-03T08:59:00.006+08:00

Eight little princesses for a little princess. All edible, hair, hat and everything!

Brunettes an redheads!

Ice Cream Cone Cakes

2010-01-03T08:59:00.004+08:00

Ice cream cone cake!

Strawberry butter cake insides.

Tonnes of buttercream icing on top!

And lots of sprinkles everywhere!

Fondant Covered Cookies

2010-01-03T08:58:00.002+08:00

Woohoo...! Had fun doing these! Made a batch for my nieces birthday party, and forgot to take picture, but they were simpler ones with edible glitter!

The base is of chocolate cookie.

Lips Cake

2010-01-03T08:57:00.001+08:00

Butt in Boxer Cake

2010-01-03T08:50:00.002+08:00

Anniversary Cake : Chiew Tee and Hubby

2010-01-01T20:25:00.004+08:00

Joshua's First Birthday!

2009-12-31T01:42:00.004+08:00

Wedding : Xin Ying and Campbell

2009-12-20T17:27:00.005+08:00

My heartiest congratulations to the both of you!

This cake came the day before the anniversary cakes, but I thought it would be a nice closure to my blog for the year ( like how designers close their shows with a wedding dress, this is how I would like mine!) hehehehehe...
The figurines are hand made and painted by me. Done in flower paste.

The cake of 2-tiers and one mini tier. ( Chocolate cake with vanilla and strawberry frosting).

Happy 30th Anniversary!

2009-12-20T17:15:00.008+08:00

This is the last cake of the anniversary cakes I made last weekend. It was requested to be light pink and to match the pearl theme of the 30th wedding anniversary theme.

Happy 25th Anniversary!

2009-12-20T17:15:00.006+08:00

The 25th anniversary cake of the silver theme had silver decoration and some opaque sugar beads. Done in 'Tiffany' blue. This was the third cake.

Happy 16th Anniversary!

2009-12-20T17:14:00.003+08:00

The 16th anniversary cake is also a silver themed one, so I did this in peach. With silver dragees as decorations only. This was the second cake.

Happy 7th Anniversary!

2009-12-20T17:11:00.004+08:00

This is the first of the four anniversary cakes I did last weekend. They were ordered by a sister, for her sister, two brothers and herself, all celebrating their wedding anniversaries in December. I separated the posts because it seems impossible to upload all eight pictures today on my blog. AAAAARghhhhhhh!
The couple celebrating their 7th anniversary are like a brother and sister to me. Their chidren, ( my nieces and my nephew) , are dear to me. I did all their children's cakes this year ( the Purple Reign Barbie, the Mermaid Barbie, the MIckey Mouse logo cupcakes and the cupcakes with the cookie and curliques!)

They love modern art, so I thought their cake could be slightly artsy and different from the other three. The design actually depicts the sun and the white background the calm and peace. For full meaning, go figure! ;-)
Love you lots guys. May I have the honor of doing all your anniversary cakes in years to come. Cheers!

pheww...!

2009-12-05T18:19:00.003+08:00

As the year is about to come to an end, life seems to just reduce its pace and prepare yours truly for the holidays! Out and about, in and out of the kitchen, I baked my last batch of muffins and cuppies till Christmas. Need sometime to unwind with friends and family.

I will not be updating much, maybe till early next year ( I know, I make that seem so far away!) as orders after this will be gourmet cuppies only ( the pictures now seem all the same to me now, I just don't know why.)and there seems to be no time to do up my blog. Apologies to my followers!

Will be back soon! Take care all!

Barbie Cake : Mermaid and Underwater Theme

2009-11-10T09:47:00.007+08:00

About 4 months ago, a 5 year old plus Miss Sara, looked at some of my cake books and told me, that she would like a two tiered mermaid Barbie cake, and sticking to her decision, a week before her 6th birthday, she still had this 2 tiered cake in mind.

Well, the one she saw had coconut trees and some sand, so I created a playful underwater theme for her instead. There were pink clams, purple starfishes ( purple is her favorite color!) , yellow octopuses and orange fishes, with red corals and seaweeds of course. The cake was done in aqua, and all had the technicolor's dream going on. It was bright. ;-) and Sara loved it!

I love it when children are involved in the planning process of their cakes. As for Sara, drafted out some sketches for her to approve and explained to her the construction of her cake in the early stages. Its just wonderful, the sense of 'grown-upness' a child feels when making decisions as such. The sense of responsibility and importance that comes during the consultation period will clearly be visible in a child's gleaming eyes when she sees the cake that she help create is just priceless!

Sara thanks her papi and mummy for letting her have her cake.

Barbie Cake : Purple Reign

2009-11-07T02:13:00.003+08:00

This was ordered by a 6 year old favorite of mine , Miss Sara Phee. She turns six today! Sara loves purple, and asked for a purple dressed BArbie So I made a purple dress with purple, pearl and silver 'beads'.Happy birthday sweets!

Birthday Set : Sweet 16th

2009-11-04T10:23:00.003+08:00

This cake and its color combo was ordered by a sister for her sister on her 16th birthday, which is today. The cake had a 'string of pearls around it, a bunch of ivory gold roses and was set on a light pink background.
Happy Birthday ya!

Happy Sweet 16th!

2009-11-04T10:22:00.002+08:00

The birthday girl requested for these designs to be incorporated on her cuppies. Zebra stripes and RED lips.

theworkingdapur and 360 for charity!

2009-11-04T10:17:00.004+08:00

Last weekend, theworkingdapur donated 360 cupcakes to the Handicapped Children's Centre on Grove Road in Penang. It was a 'memorable' event.
My god daughter helped out and it was her first charity event. She had fun and asked tonnes of questions as to why we were 'selling cupcakes and kuehs without any cash transactions! ;-) Fun fun fun !

Birthday Set : Happy Birthday Triplets!

2009-10-20T10:32:00.003+08:00

This is a first for me, getting an order for a triplets birthday party. The requests was a Dora character , a Diego and a Boots cake, one in chocolate , strawberry and vanilla.

Birthday Set : Lina's School do!

2009-10-19T20:48:00.004+08:00

On Monday, during recess, Lina also had a small party, of cupcakes for her classmates. I also made a tiny birthday cake to accompany the colorful curlique'd topped cupcakes. The starts and the heart are sugar cookies.

BIrthday Set : Lina's Home Birthday Celebration!

2009-10-19T20:31:00.003+08:00

These were ordered for a little cheeky girl on her 4th birthday. Accompanying these disney logo cupcakes is a birthday cake with Disney characters all around.

Diwali Cake : Tray of Treats

2009-10-18T04:39:00.002+08:00

I created this cake , bearing in my the sweet ofrings for the Diwali celebration. So, the 'tray' a cake , the 'sweets' miniature cakes. All edible. The flowers are edible too!

Birthday Set : Uncles' Cake!

2009-09-29T00:55:00.003+08:00

This cake was made for my dear Uncle, a celebration sized cakes with whimsical flowers and matching cuppies. I really had fun baking and decorating the cake ( a rose butter cake, with vanilla and almond frosting) .

Happy birthday Uncle! God bless you always!

Happy 21st! : Sweet Flowers

2009-09-28T23:59:00.005+08:00

These were ordered as a set of 32 cupcakes with flowers.
I don't usually do last minute orders because I can't plan my flowers well. But they look sweet all the same.

Zodiac Cake : Year of the Dog

2009-09-24T12:20:00.003+08:00

I got a request from a returning client for a cake for her friend who was born in the year of the Dog. Over our conversation I told her I could make cartoon like figures for dogs, with reference to the cake I made for the year of the Rat. Then I thought I would like to make something different, still in the doggie theme. So instead, I opted for a Dog jumping out of a peach tissue in a tubular box ( the cake)! This particular cake set came with 18 small cuppies, with matching designs taken from the 'wrapper' part of the tubular box and with the letter 'M' for the birthday girls initials!

Please wait for the opening of my shop, scheduled for mid-year of 2010! Thanks for visiting my blog and supporting theworkingdapur!

More photos on my flickr!

Happy Eid Mubarrak!

2009-09-20T08:00:00.006+08:00

When I took orders for the Eid, I reminded myself to just stick to 2d designs, as I will be super busy to do 3d stuffs! Well most of the designs were flowers like the ones below. Just plain and simple. Some others I did not even get to take pictures, as I was really busy!

Thanks for your support!

Zodiac Cake : Virgo Girl

2009-09-13T22:38:00.003+08:00

Made to order, a zodiac cake of VIRGO girl. Dressed in pure white, with white 'lotus like flowers, surrounded by a 'fence' of 'trees' and 'leaves' to signify the earthly bond of the Virgo.

Made with matching cupcakes. Done in pastels as per request.

Birthday Set : Enchanted Garden

2009-09-07T00:36:00.004+08:00

I got an e-mail requesting for my 'Enchanted Garden' but with matching cupcakes. Truth be told, I had a busy week, and was looking forward to not smelling like frosting or chocolate come FRiday evening. But since it was the request and plead of the birthday girl, I could not resist, and said yes! Oh well, what else is new!

Anyways, Happy Birthday Mian Li!

P/S : More photos on flickr!

Disney Theme for little Hannah

2009-09-03T18:48:00.006+08:00

Little Ms.Hannah loves Disney characters and Mommy ordered these for her!

theworkingdapur, will cater to food allergies, such as going vegan, substituting milk with soy, and going eggless too! Please do specify your needs when ordering ya!

Buttercream 3inch cakes : Sarah and Lina

2009-09-03T01:04:00.002+08:00

Buttercream cakes for the little princesses!

Futball

2009-09-03T01:03:00.003+08:00

A speherical cake, sure , but it was eggless, so it had a more not-so-stable structure for much handling! Well I thought wrapping a 'ball' was easy peasy, but turns out to be harder than getting sharp corners done with fondant! But all else, it was loved!

Blue, Yellow and White : Birthday Cake Set

2009-08-26T08:02:00.005+08:00

This was a last minute order, but never the less was fun to make. This Light blue fondant covered cake, with a trim of white ribbed 'ribbon, and yellow flowers. Matching cupcakes of the same theme was also presented.

The Little Turtle / tortoise cake!

2009-08-22T20:38:00.004+08:00

This was ordered by a dear friend of mine. Its a 6 portion cake, a really small one, and cute. Since she said it did not have to look real, I decided on a swirly green shell pattern instead of the normal textured angles.

Two Flower Combination in a vase birthday cake.

2009-08-19T11:44:00.005+08:00

This birthday cake, was a last minute order by a socialite for her dear friend celebrating her birthday as we speak . The cake is being delivered as I type this.I have big dreams , big inspirations. I was intrigued by the cakes done at cupcakeenvy.com , and the cake ( the one with multicolor flowers in particular) drove me into flower making frenzy, yellow roses, pink daisies , white baby mums, baby blue fillers leaves, more leaves and lilacs. Get the picture right?

Oh well, like all days, I make the fondant the day before, cover the board, bake the cake night before, bake the accompanying cupcakes, ice and decorate hours before pick up or delivery. Then I thought, I want to do a different cake board cover. Some lacey doily thingy , maybe with some cutouts and ruffles and piped dots. Easy peasy. Done , done and done. Okies, off to ice. Done . Off for fondant covering. Done Wohoo! no smears (ok just one tiny bit) ! The best bit. Arranging the flowers and leaves. I get the trays out and crap! They didn't look right.

I measured the sizes of the flowers. But they didn't look right! Oh well, then I made some ginger torch like flowers, to go with my white and green tint mums. Yes, perfect! Then I realized, my ruffles for the lace covering was 'ruffle-ing' slightly over the borad. Crap. It was taken off and redone, and every single 'bead' was re-piped. And what you see, is what I am proud of at the moment ; my patience and perseverance.

Chinese Zodiac - The Year of The Rat baby boy.

2009-08-19T11:09:00.004+08:00

This order was by a young mom for her son who turned 1 last Sunday. As baby boy Jenzen was born in the year of the rat, a rat was requested by mumsy dearest.

As the days of research went by, realised I don't do nice rats , so I called mumsy and told her it will be a cartoonish rat and she was fine by it! thank God!

So the outcome? Not too bad, w=keeping with the nursery color theme of baby blue, light yellow and mint. The cupcakes accompanying the cake also had polka dots reflecting the main cake design.

Who don't love dots?

Ode to : Yayoi Kusama

Retro Flower Cupcakes

2009-08-13T12:05:00.001+08:00

It's coming back! - The 'Branded' One

2009-07-13T10:09:00.004+08:00

A dear girl e-mailed me to ask if I could help her make cupcakes for her boyfriend's birthday ( yupp, boys are lucky these days!) with some words , logos and some other stuff. I said yes, she was happy and was even happier to see the results when she collected the cuppies on Saturday evening!

For more pictures, do visit my flickr!

It's coming back! - Simple ones!

2009-07-13T09:56:00.003+08:00

I got a request from this darling of a girl to make cupcakes for her boy friends birthday. She wanted them to be really simple, but at the same time appealing to her boyfriend. Was rather worried, but she and the birthday boy were sooooooooooo pleased with the cupcakes!

Happy Father's Day Papi!

2009-06-21T14:54:00.004+08:00

Since my last update, I found it rather taxing to upload to both my flickr and blog account. I don't know why, I am just having this feeling. Maybe it's because I have been totally swamped with work and stuff. Will try to upload soon!

Clown Cake

2009-06-04T00:09:00.003+08:00

This was a last minute order, but pheww, thank God they turned out ok! I loved my clown! Was as always, fun to make. The cake was moist butter cake with strawberry buttercream frosting and topped with fondant. All decos were of fondant and are edible!

The cupcakes were the accompaniment to the Master clown cake and shared the same 'circus-y' theme of confettiis and had the little birthday boy's initial H for HARITH. HAppy 1st birthday sweets!

Come on Barbie, let's go paty!

2009-05-31T14:46:00.004+08:00

My first Barbie cake. Turned out alright, I guess! ;-)
The skirt, full fondant covered, had a saree like feel to it, with beaded 'embelishments' of dragees and royal icing 'emroidery', front and back (was tired when it came to the back part, and was close to not finishing the cake! ;-p)
I was searching high and low for Wilton's Wonder Mould pan, but apparently is out of stock at most shops, so a baker got to do, what a bakers got to do, so I sculpted the cake out of 6 layers of vanilla buttercake and layers of chocolate fudge frosting. So, this was the outcome, larger skirt for Miss Baribie, way larger if compared to the one I will get using the mould.
A happy birthday to my very cheeky and naughty goddaughter, " I love you Chinta, be a good girl to mama, papa and aniqy'!

Nursery Toys Theme...

2009-05-27T11:46:00.004+08:00

These were a joy to make! I had so many things in my head, and decided that these four designs were most suitable; a toy sail with wispy waves , a toy truck on a windy road , a rubber ducky with bubbles ( I wanted to have more bubbles, but the space was limited and a teddy bear).
More Pics on myFlickr account!

Simple Ones

2009-05-27T11:44:00.002+08:00

When simple ones are too simple, they look inviting too! ;-p

A party in the garden...

2009-05-14T13:50:00.005+08:00

Bukit Dumbar, a small hill, is usually a meeting place mainly for both the health conscious oldies ( no offence Daddy) (where they share their intimate secrets of cholesterol levels and latest blood sugar readings) and the young!

So, when group of morning walkers decided to organize a breakfast party ( how appropriate!) as a tribute to mothers who walk in the area, I got an order for cupcakes and seized the opportunity to make more roses for all the mothers there. Besides, garden themed events always, have me go crazy with flowers. No excuses right? So I decided the most appropriate flower would be the 'bunga mawar', a garden rose, miature insize. In comparison to what I did for the orders for Mother's Day, these roses seem so adorably cute and sweet. The color was a mixture of bits of pink ( many shades) and bits of white. On some petals, the pinks were obvious, while others had white petals with streaks of pink.

Individually cased, and dedicated to all mothers!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T15:10:00.005+08:00

Hi all. Been really busy with real work, and have really no time to update the blog! Oh well, thanks so much for the continuous support for theworkingdapur cupcakes! It has been a pleasure to be part of you milestones and celebrations!

For Mother's Day, I did not even have the time to do any promo this year. So all orders were set to wild roses in pink, orange or yellow and simple ones were the single daisy. Yup! Just 2 sets this year! Happy with the outcome, happiness always!

Baby Girl's Full Moon Cupcakes

2009-04-23T16:53:00.003+08:00

This time round, these were made for a baby girl. Decos consisted of bootees and bottles....Baby Full Moon boxes. Do e-mail me to inquire!

MIniature Apple Pies

2009-04-17T10:03:00.003+08:00

Got an order for individual apples pies for a dinner with table setting so I thought of letting the hostess serve something special as opposed to having serve the normal, traditional looking pies.
They turned out beautiful and I got RM1 extra each for my effort!
Wohoo!

Cafe Easy!

2009-04-02T21:44:00.004+08:00

Been really busy with orders, skills improvisation and formula testings that I have no time to post anything on my blog. A busy weekend has been scheduled, and most probably, the next post will be in two weeks or so...Will try and try, I promise you my beloved blog!
Instead of incorporating the different cake bases into layers or marbling them, I decided to have a more fun approach by creating the flavor separately and having a bite of each combo and mixing it in your mouth , when the tongue gets the taste of the flavor as it hits your taste buds.
Made bout 150 of these, a combination of Coffee with Coffee buttercream, Chocolate with Chocolate buttercream, Strawberry with strawberry buttercream and Orange with orange buttercream. But as always, after icing more than 150 cuppies and packing them, the thought of taking the camera down for shots seemed liked a treacherous task!
These shots were actually taken at my friend's place prior to consumption! There were none at home..;-(

Matcha and Chocolate marbled cupcakes with vanilla frosting.

2009-03-29T00:53:00.003+08:00

I was visiting Bakerella's site and she inspired me to bake this. Well yeah, in the era of molecular gastronomy, a combination of green tea and chocolate seems so last century! For me its fine, as I have already tasted many creations using this great combo, of which includes chocolate macaroons with green tea cream, green tea ice cream with chocolate fudge and the like, but I was actually more afraid for my audience who seem to think that the combo is odd to the palate!
But, each and every cupcake was accepted (by the tongues) well and I got good praises for these! Wohooo!!!

The coloring of the buttercream was actually bamboo green, but due to bad lightiing, it seems more toxic looking than the calm whispers of the green.

Strawberry flavored cupcakes with chocolate fudge frosting!

2009-03-29T00:52:00.004+08:00

These are batik / menhdi inspired design. Was trying to practice intricate piping without torturing my wrist! Above all else, they were hot sellers!
There were Strawberry cake with chocolate fudge frosting, did not have any left for cross sectioning!

I am back...

2009-03-11T15:59:00.001+08:00

Aahh...a wonderful weekend (plus two weekdays) gone, am back to my sugar coated world...working on some samples...will be updating by the end of the week...

Come back to check! ;-)

Lilac Fantasy Dreams

2009-03-06T09:51:00.002+08:00

Lilac Fantasy Dreams are an ode to dreams, very floaty colors, when you see them you just think of floating. Very soft and flowy simple sugar flowers.

theworkingdapur will be CLOSED from the 7-11th of MARCH for a short holiday.

A Brief History : theworkingdapur Part I.

Call me self-centered but believe it or not, seeing my creations online gives me a buzz! Making and eating, or should I say devouring into cupcakes are just sublime. The first touch of the frosting on your teeth, the sweetness, the creaminess of it on your tongue, only a cupcake addict would know!

The thing with cupcake addiction is : YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE ANONYMOUS ! Great or what! Instead you will be rejoiced by other 'addicts' from all over the globe. Yes, 'food brings people together' but 'cupcakes just binds you'! Of course here in Malaysia, we do not have any cupcake meet-ups as grand as the one Cupcakes Take The Cake have in New York, New York, but is just still a growing trend. My own first exposure to the wonderful world of cupcakes was through a GLAMOUR magazine article on MAGNOLIA BAKERY and this was circa late nineties!

From that time onwards, I knew it was a calling. But, being freshly out of high school, I had to go to uni to study, so it kinda just lay dormant for awhile till about 2006 when I started selling cupcakes for RM1.50 (USD0.40)for standard sized ones! I know, I was crazy, just wanted to try out the market, and it worked! So as the cost of goods went up, and my rivals ( at that time, irrelevant too me now according to the Blue Ocean Strategy, hehehehe) selling their for at least RM4 ( USD1.05) it was time for change.

After that, I totally changed my entire promotion campaign and the rest is what you see today!

YAYYYYY!!! BEEN FEATURED ON..

2009-03-04T01:18:00.002+08:00

Hehhehee...go here! go here!

http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2009/03/flowers-and-malt-balls.html

Thank you Rachel once again!

Simple Ivory Dogwood Blooms

2009-03-02T11:22:00.003+08:00

Keyword being 'simple', it was a really relaxing time making the mini blooms, after much color and sudden hype of my best selling gerberas ( which, dont get me wrong, I really enjoy doing too!) By balling petal by petal and joining them together to make the bloom, I realized sometimes, simple works best.

Color, texture, size and shape. All four factors simple. They adorned cupcakes lined with chocolate balls, which made them more interesting, I think, and my clients were really pleased with the simplicity and the 'zen' like result they evoked.

Sometimes, when clients come for consultation, they want the big-do's for their cupcakes, and I do offer them the best advice that you can't have too much on a cupcake, will just spoil the novelty of it being a part of the occasion. Sometimes, they get upset, sometimes I get upset. 'Oh well, swell!'.

Most of the times, I treasure clients who leave it to my judgement to design and decorate, just like life, you are taught see the best in people. And learn to trust, of course.

2D decorated discs

2009-03-02T11:17:00.004+08:00

Hmm...I reckon, Arabian theme? ;-)

Little Leesa's Sprinkles Cupcakes.

2009-03-02T11:14:00.003+08:00

These were simple, cafe styles ones for Leesa. I started this category awhile back just because I think it would be easier for my clients and me. Instead of saying ' blah, blah, vanilla, like that day, but don't want the hard flower thing...etc' , we just code it as a Cafe Easy order, SWIRL TOP ( JANE) or FLAT TOP (JACK).

CC's Yellow Gerbers

2009-03-01T13:00:00.005+08:00

These were ordered by CC as a farewell gift. The recipient was really happy! Thank god! Thanks CC!

Single White Flower and Green engagement cupcakes

2009-02-23T20:48:00.005+08:00

This was part of an Engagement Cupcakes ordered, with a theme of white and green. So I decided to do a a white flower with green center and green vanilla fondant, and some dragees to complete the look. My clients were pleased with the outcome and color. I presented them a color sample ;-) during the initial inquiry session and also gave them some ideas I had for their color scheme, and this was chosen.

Wedding cupcakes that I do usually will be covered with fondant and with gum paste flowers, as they last longer and will withstand 'many hands' handling ( this is a direct translation of what my Mum says in Malay 'banyak tangan' which is actually true, as during weddings 'many hands' will be helping out ;-) thus the translated saying) .

Why am I adding this is just because, I just taught my Dad about gum paste flowers, that sometimes I do real stuff like mums, gerberas, frangipanis , lotus and etcs, and other times I just go with my fantasy flow, thus creating 'fantasy flowers', so when he saw these he was like 'Are these fantasy flowers?', he looked really adorable, gleaming , using my cake decorating term! Love you lots Dad! These flowers actually have a name, but it's a bit scientific, and I just can't seem to recall, but apparently they do exist.

Well, my heartiest congratulations to the both of you!

Gerberas...

2009-02-23T11:15:00.012+08:00

Like any other open-faced flowers, they just seem warm and inviting. Unlike sexy roses, mysterious orchids, gerberas are just plain and simple. What you see is what you get. Warm, friendly and happy. Oh but then again , they are related to sunflowers! ;-)

When simple is said, not by the colors, as they have so many species and a lot looks, trust me, just 'google' and images of these beautiful friendly flowers will appear, and you will go 'ooh-ing' and 'aah-ing' in amazement! The best part is yet to be told, a single flowers can/may have petals of different colors!

Since these were meant to be given as house warming gifts, I baked them in normal liners and slipped them into these muffin liners, which were a bit big, but fit the gerberas beautifully. Well, I don't know, maybe they are all always happy, so it does not matter what they are in, they will just be happy flowers to me!

Fuchsia Fantasy

2009-02-20T14:22:00.006+08:00

When I have too many options, I get a bit stressed out, as you know, there are about a gazillion of color combinations to choose from, and when the base has to be chocolate fondant, then it narrows down slightly, but when fuchsia fantasy flowers were requested, I was happy!

Nothing like a combination of brown and pink, think Neapolitan ice cream. But when the flowers were ready ( they were gum paste ones you see, as I placed them on the chocolate-y base, they looked somewhat barren, as these were for the standard sized cuppies. Luckily enough, I always make a batch of vanilla fondant for my 'in-case-of-fondant-emergency' , and rolled out small green discs symbolizing leaves, and studded them with gold dragees, to reflect the flower centre which has a gold dragee. There they were, nice and regal looking, in spite of just being an idea in my garden of dreams.

Fantasy flowers, Fuchsia and Chocolate fondant...

Sweetpeas : My pinch flowers : Oh well, swell!

2009-02-15T16:19:00.003+08:00

On this very solemn Sunday, I made these pinch flowers just to distract myself, They were just simply arranged a top a fondant covered mini cakes, cupcakes actually. Named them the 'Oh well, swell' just because I am just totally frustrated with the attitude of people around me. So I just say, 'Oh well, swell!!!' and smile.

These were made for a customer as a sample order. ;-)

My current creative drive is still on course though, thank God! and I am in no means of creating burnt cakes with black frosting, black gum flowers or black anything ( thought of it though!).

Just need to sexy-fy my cakes and myself and just be happy! I got myself new fondant toys yesterday, and boy! they made me happy and giggly all night ( gave the impression of being on something ;-) ) For all its worth, I am happy on this really solemn Sunday! Have a good week all!

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-13T15:19:00.007+08:00

Well a Happy Valentines Day to all! This year, must be the economic scare, I did not get as much orders as I did last year! But then, I made corny 'bee-mine' cupcakes, which is cute looking (to my clients and me at least)! And some pink and yellow ones, some daisies and hearts, of course very macho black and red 'hugs and kisses' cupcakes and some buttercream orders. Very simple and plain. Not labor intensive I would say. They are all packed and awaiting pick-up later for tomorrow!

Many people perceive this day for lovers only, but to me its another day to celebrate love. Which ever way you see it, I wish you all happiness. I dedicate 14.02.09 to the following persons, with lots of love, hugs and kisses:
'Mom and Daddy, thank you so much for being supportive in my passion, and forever letting me pursue my hobby; in all ways, helping me deliver, buying me books, collecting my supplies, etc. Thank you for everything. Could never repay you, ever! Love you always.'

My aunt Choo-Li, also a baker ( must be in the genes!) : ' Thank you for being there for me when I was 5 years old, insisting that I get to help you bake cakes and cookies, even with Mums disapproval ( I was 5, Mum had her point!)

My late Tok Mak, a great cook and baker (genes again!) : ' I never knew you well enough, but Daddy always tells me I am just like you. Wish you could be here to see me now.'

I dedicate the XOXO cupcakes to a certain person who has indirectly inspired me for the past two months and what the person has injected in me is the push for me to be more creative, as seen in my mum cupcakes two posts back.

I thank you for your unknowing extra drive you have given me. XOXO.

YAYYYYY!!! MUMS BEEN FEATURED ON...

2009-02-12T11:59:00.005+08:00

cupcakestakethecake!!!

woohooooo!

check out this link:
cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2009/02/mum-cupcakes.html

"Flower cupcakes always, always make me smile. Not sure if it's because I so rarely have fresh flowers in my life, or they're just gorgeous when done right. "

Thank you so much Rachel!

being 'mum'...

2009-02-11T19:05:00.009+08:00

Yellow Mums
Nothing like yellow flowers. I just realized, I like doing yellow flowers, they seem so happy, so sunny so smiley and non complicated. Unless a client requests for a specific color theme, I always suggest yellow. But I personally do not wear any yellow. ;-) No wonder.. ;-)

Another personal favorite color, which is technically not a color is white. My other favorite is black you see. ;-) White flowers evoke calmness, which I just get the sense of, as I shape petal by petal to perfection. They look pretty too.

White 'Peaceful' Mum

You might think mums are my favorite, but not quite. I love white orchids. Tonnes of them, single stem, one flower, etc. I just love them. I love getting them as a bouquet, no guys seem to get this though (hint hint, hint hint , wink wink! ;-) )They are gorgeous, will try experimenting next time, but will leave you with my whimsical mums.

Button Mums

'hello naomi enchanted garden' wannabe cupcakes, dubbed theworkingdapur's 'Garden Friends'

2009-02-01T02:38:00.008+08:00

This has got to be the longest blog title I have ever posted!

As all may know, hello naomi is an artist that has truly inspired me in more ways than one. I have been following her works, but never had I the courage to actually imitate her gorgeous works of art, till today that is.

Yesterday, I sent her an e-mail to grant me permission to follow her Enchanted Garden cupcakes, and gratefully, permission was granted, and off to the kitchen I went. I was pleased, they were nothing as nice as hers, but it was nice, and I got the 'oooh-s and aah-s', which was fine for me.

Hello naomi, thank you so much for your inspirational cupcakes! Thank you for letting me do it!

theworkingdapur's version below:

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Hello naomi's cupcakes titled 'Enchanted Garden' lies at the link below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hello_naomi/3234902308/

Happy New You!

2009-01-28T22:23:00.010+08:00

My CNY set consisted of red fondant covered cuppies with a faux orange on top...
Yes, I actually waited for the Chinese New Year to start before blogging. Hmmm...I myself wonder why? Well, I have been rather busy with things since Christmas, just could not find the time to upload photos onto my flickr account ( its also user : the workingdapur ) or my beloved blog. The holidays, Chinese New Year weekend, was the best for me, hung out with my beloved friends, and just partied! hmmmm....you know who you are....loved dancing and prancing with ya!

I am back and am here to stay! To all clients and potential clients feel free to e-mail or call me to enquire. Some stuff, as all may know, are not here on the blog. The blog was supposed to be my mini portfolio. Read: WAS.

Here are some of the things I did from January:

A mixture of retro looking cupcakes order, well more cafe like actually, ( I wish I have a shop) , the modern art ones ( which was surprisingly liked by my beloved client, I had reservations doing something simple like that) theres the 80's buttercream flower thing, my oh-so-mod peanut butter ones, hmm...and etc)
Till yesterdays pickup. Congratulations Jac and Alvin. Baby Joshua will have his first moon today! How time flies.

Tarts and PIes for Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T10:45:00.003+08:00

Strawberry Tarts

Mocha Soft Center Tart

Cranberry and Almond MIni Flan

My Tarty Life

2008-11-26T09:56:00.003+08:00

Don't mind the title. But it will be a tarty weekend for me. First up, Pineapple with Coconut Custard Cream Tarts. Yeah, ode to pina colada!

Anyone who knows me personally would know how my life is split into two, half a professional in the office, the other half as an islander?!! Oh wait, what happened to the other part of me as a professional baker? Hmmm...but then again Im 'big' enough to have another career or two... ;-) Well the tarts were ode to the islands of the world!

Got rave reviews as the taste was very tropical, the coconut cream custard sealed the deal!

Orders available for minis and large tarts.

Mini Quiche Mania

2008-11-06T12:55:00.002+08:00

They were sinfully delicious.
I use to think that regular (sliced) sized quiches were not sufficient just because, they had lesser crust. So I decided to go mini, as always. These were loaded with roasted tomatoes, tuna flakes, mushrooms and succulent black olives..I live the color combo...and I did not have any ham at home. ;-)

back to my journey...

2008-11-04T09:24:00.003+08:00

First and foremost, thank you for you e-mails of concern for my disappearance. I am so sorry for those orders I couldn't fulfill. I am going to start blogging on a regular basis like before, but now my focus will be where my blog started; at square one.

When I first started this blog, it was meant to celebrate my ability and skills to prepare foods for those I love. Along the way, I started baking for orders. From that point on, my kitchen was filled with orders from strangers I don't even know. But, I was even happier, to be able to make strangers gleam with happiness from once they sampled my goods. This went on for months. Until one day, my dad requested ' Could you please make me an apple pie. How much is it?'. I just froze.

What happened to me? This was the man who bought me my first digital kitchen scale, my oven, my books and whatever I needed to 'experiment' with when baking was my hobby. How could he ask me that? Then it hit me.

I became 'lost' in my journey.

The next day, I made my crust, then cored apples. It felt good. It felt like how I had felt when I first made my short crust pastry. I was careful, but I knew what I was doing. Unlike before, I moved faster, to ensure I got the 'crumbly-flaky' combination, cuttting butter with precision. Rested the dough. Lined my tin. Filled the tin, then covered the filling with a layer of my crust , then I decorated with pastry leaves.

I presented the pie to my dad the next day. He was so happy. He even told me to take pictures of the 'cutting' ceremony. I was happy.

I stopped taking orders since then.

it has been a long, long while...

2008-08-16T00:43:00.004+08:00

Sometimes I just tend to forget. I forgot to do something, I forgot to buy something, I forgot about my bag of hazelnuts (!) but I did not forget about my blog. I have been busy.

My new work schedule meant more work and longer hours in the office..sigh...sigh..sigh..same hours in the kitchen meeting orders, experimenting new recipes and way lesser and sometimes no time even to update my blog.

Was away sometime in July, no photos yet even on my flickr, and I know I am not supposed to use that as a reason but I swear its valid. Many things has happened these past few months and I can say, theworkingdapur is here to stay! (so cliche!) Anyway, I will be posting and blogging regularly starting the month of August ( fasting month again, and how soon...) and start taking orders for Raya already.

I will be away from the 20th till the 27th of August. Till then...

the unblogging blogger

2008-03-27T17:36:00.002+08:00

I have been getting e-mails asking where have I been, what have I been up to, whether or not I still bake and etc. Well, thank you for your e-mails and notes of concern, yes, I still do bake and do take orders, mostly normal cupcakes without any fancy decorations, just swirls and flat tops, so I decided not to post them. It would be boring for both readers and me. Till I get any order out of the ordinary, I won't be posting that much anymore. E-mail me your requests or orders at my yahoo account.

Cupcake Bouquet : Sunflowers

2008-03-08T10:04:00.004+08:00

Try a bouquet of cupcakes next time round for a gift. The flowers are made with buttercream and the base I have used here are moist chocolate cupcakes. Well, the bowl belongs o my neighbor, who makes delicious 'laksa Johor' , so instead of returning the bowl empty, I decided to give her six 'sunflowers' instead. The bowl could only fit six. :-)

I made more than six and here they are, as sunny as a sunny day.

My bouquet. E-mail me for enquiries.

Easter Bunny Request Quest : Passed Easter Topper!

2008-03-04T22:04:00.004+08:00

I got a request for bunny toppers for Easter and this is the final and QC'ed bunny that will be topping many a cuppies this 23rd!

Oya, I have been missing, I know. Well, the past week was with normal cupcake orders and the past weekend was my highlight, my darling Aunt ordered 180 Savory Cheese Tarts and I forgot to take any pics of them...aaarghhhh.....well, I thought I could not meet the deadline ( I had 1 1/2days) but I did, and I am so happy, she was satisfied with them! Thank you so much Chu! Love you lots!

Birthday Wishes : Same theme: Spring!

2008-02-23T21:48:00.006+08:00

Well the yellow and pinks ones were for Cik Siti! All the best to you this year! I like the single flowers too, simple with a stand!

St.Patrick's Day , March 17th, 2008

2008-02-23T21:39:00.008+08:00

Celebratory cupcake for St.Patrick would obviously be decorated with shamrock, gold bits and good luck wishes Do e-mail to enquire. Orders opened. The picture above is a personal favorite :-)

How To : Contact theworkingdapur

2008-02-21T13:28:00.003+08:00

Hello everyone...

I get comments on my flicker as well as myblog log enquiring about the cupcakes. The easiest way to contact me is by e-mailing me your name and cellphone number, and I will call you within 24 hours. Thank you for all your support!

theworkingdapur@yahoo.com

Cupcakes for Easter

2008-02-19T21:48:00.005+08:00

This will be part of my offerings for Easter. Will be posting more after Easter or maybe before, depending on situations, orders I mean. :-) Orders are open for Easter already, do enquire for other styles. Oya, bunnies, decorated Easter 'eggs' , nests, and baskets atop cupcakes are available too...

My little chickies

Eggs In Nest

Traditional Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T15:11:00.004+08:00

Chocolate Cupcakes With MIlk Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate Cupcakes With Dark Chocolate Ganache

My Valentines by theworkingdapur

Well, thank you for your support and order love, which gave me this idea! Someone wanted me to make truffles or pralines, and I was like 'Dude, thats not my forte, but I could make you something, since cakes are always comforting and chocolates are always welcomed'. He was like 'Ok'.

So I made petit fours, covered in milk, white and dark chocolate, heart shaped of course , about 220 in total. They were packed in a box, and passed of as chocolates. I made extra hearts to give to my friends today, well is it the 14th of February is it not? People were like 'oh ing, and aah ing' . I got a rush from that, trust me. Well to those who got my hearts, heheheh, enjoy and a Happy Valentines Day to you! ( Those who did noy, e-mail me to order ya!)

P/S: I would do these heart petit fours any time. The lovelies are the size of a mini cupcake, abour 2cm...imagine my joy of coating 220 pieces. Hehehehhe..