Kaye Hansen - The Whimsical Bakehouse: Fun-to-Make Cakes That Taste as Good as They Look: A Baking Book

Contents

Summer Nights

I was looking for a birthday cake for my daughter, Lily, when I first wandered into the Riviera Bakehouse. She was having a fairy princess party, and I wanted something specialafter all, your little girl doesnt turn three every day. As I opened the bakery door that cold January afternoon, there was the gentle tinkle of a bell overhead, followed by a wave of warmth. Warm sticky buns, cookies, coffee, and Kaye, the shops owner and also the mother of her own little girl, now all grown up.

Id like a fairy princess cake, I said, nibbling the toe of a buttery bear-shaped cookie. Kaye smiled at me in the way of a mother who understands the importance of princesses and parties and turning three.

Let me get my daughter, Liv, Kaye said, her words trailing off as she disappeared into the kitchen. A few moments later a lovely young woman appeared, lightly dusted in flour.

Id like a fairy princess cake, I said again, realizing how silly I must sound. But Liv just grinned shyly, the way girls do who understand magic and make-believe. She asked me Lilys favorite colors (pink and purple) and sent me back out into the afternoon on a shopping expedition. Take Lily and find a little doll that looks like her, I was told.

And we did. I returned to the Riviera Bakehouse a few days later and dropped off the plastic doll with long brown hair and shiny eyes. Liv poked her head out of the kitchen just long enough to flash that grin.

The morning of February 7, Lily put on her leotard and tutu. She grabbed a wand covered in silver glitter and announced that today was her birthday and she was a fairy princess. As we waited for her friends to arrive, I drove to the Riviera. Once again I was greeted by the tinkle of the bell and the wave of warmth. My eyes met Kayes, and she nodded in the direction of a large cooler. I turned my head, and stared breathless through the frosty glass. Lilys plastic doll had been transformed into a princess, dressed in a flowing gown of cake covered in buttercream. It was as if shed been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale and made real.

Liv emerged just long enough for me to embarrass her. Youre not a cake decorator, youre an artist! You should be working in New York City. Do you know how successful you would be? Ive never seen such beautiful work! I was still going on as Liv assured me she was quite happy where she was and was pleased I loved the cake. And then she excused herself and went back to her work.

Ill never forget the look on Lilys face that afternoon when I threw open the doors to the dining room and she and her friends gazed upon her birthday cake. She stood there in her tutu, her silver wand at her side and her mouth wide open. How do you thank someone for giving your child such a moment of wonderment?

Liv, this is my way of thanking you. I want everyone who picks up this book to know that what you spin so beautifully is not just sugar. Its magic.

Ever since that cold day in January five years ago, I have wandered into the Riviera Bakehouse more times than my waistline cares to admit. Reader, if you ever find yourself in Ardsley, New York, you too must make your way to the source, because, as lovely as this book is, its just a sampling. Youll know youre there by the tinkle of the bell, the wave of warmth, and Kayes smile, not to mention that of her wonderful husband, Peter. Oh, yes, and the magic words: Let me get my daughter, Liv.

Meredith Vieira

Introduction

Liv: The cakes we make at the Bakehouse represent a melding of two sensibilities: my moms passion for baking unforgettably delicious desserts and my own desire to create whimsical and delightful treats for the eye.

Kaye: Livs cakes offer a refreshing change from more serious, traditional decorating. Her designs are simultaneously carefree and beautiful, with a playful quality.

Liv: Just like every bite of your cakes is at once decadent enough to satisfy the most sophisticated palate and yummy enough to placate the child in all of us. The rich Chocolate Butter Cake with absolutely yummy Cookies and Cream filling is a perfect example.

Kaye: I never fail to marvel at what Liv devises. She says its because Im her mom that Im so amazed by her work, but the delighted reactions of our customers tell the real story. She took what I taught her to new heights.

Liv: From the time I was a little girl I watched my mother bake, knit, spin, weave, and sew and as I grew she shared this knowledge with me, letting me experiment in the kitchen, teaching me the crafts she had learned, helping me knit and reknit my first sweater, guiding me through my first quilt, and nurturing my interest in art. In turn, I became my moms aesthetic consultant, from choosing the color of paint for the living room to designing her first business card. We found we loved working together on projects large and small, and that our best creations were those we did together.