Tasty Tidbits

You may not be familiar with a groom's cake, but the tradition of this special wedding confection goes back to the Victorian period. Historically, the groom served his groomsmen a cake as a special dessert just for them, while the bridesmaids were sometimes served a special dessert of their own. In some traditions, the groom would give a slice of the cake, usually a solid piece of liquor-laden fruitcake, to the bridesmaids to take home. The young women would then place the wrapped cake under their pillows that night and it was said that they would then dream of their future husbands.

Today, the groom's cake is served in various ways. Some couples place the cake on a side table and serve it along with the wedding cake as a special dessert. Others feature the groom's cake as the dessert at a rehearsal dinner, since that event is usually hosted by the groom's family. At some events, the groom's cake is sliced and packaged as a take home favor for all the guests. When and where it is served is up to each couple's discretion.

While the wedding cake is all about elegance and consistency with the theme and color scheme of the wedding, the groom's cake is all about fun and personality. Traditionally, the cake itself is chocolate, but since this confection is all about the groom his flavor preferences are priority. Usually, the bride creates this special treat as a surprise for her man, selecting more...

You may not be familiar with a groom's cake, but the tradition of this special wedding confection goes back to the Victorian period. Historically, the groom served his groomsmen a cake as a special dessert just for them, while the bridesmaids were sometimes served a special dessert of their own. In some traditions, the groom would give a slice of the cake, usually a solid piece of liquor-laden fruitcake, to the bridesmaids to take home. The young women would then place the wrapped cake under their pillows that night and it was said that they would then dream of their future husbands.

Today, the groom's cake is served in various ways. Some couples place the cake on a side table and serve it along with the wedding cake as a special dessert. Others feature the groom's cake as the dessert at a rehearsal dinner, since that event is usually hosted by the groom's family. At some events, the groom's cake is sliced and packaged as a take home favor for all the guests. When and where it is served is up to each couple's discretion.

While the wedding cake is all about elegance and consistency with the theme and color scheme of the wedding, the groom's cake is all about fun and personality. Traditionally, the cake itself is chocolate, but since this confection is all about the groom his flavor preferences are priority. Usually, the bride creates this special treat as a surprise for her man, selecting his favorite flavors and designing the cake to reflect special hobbies such as golfing or fishing, his profession, favorite sports team or TV show or even a humorous design incorporating several ideas. Designs for these cakes are limited only by your imagination. Your cake designer can work with you to create the look and sentiment you desire.

Consider including this special dessert as part of your wedding celebration. It will add that extra touch and be appreciated by not only your groom but also your guests.

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Many brides spend months or even a year planning their wedding and then suddenly the special day has come and gone. Hopefully the ceremony went off without a hitch, the photographs turned out perfectly, the food was fabulous and the celebration was an event to remember. But there is one more way to experience and remember the fun of your wedding day - enjoying a piece of wedding cake on your one year anniversary.

Age-old Tradition

The custom of eating a piece of your wedding cake on your anniversary goes back for hundreds of years to a time when cultural conventions were different than many of our practices today. Most couples would be expected to have a child within months of the wedding day and so to save money, extra cake would be prepared for the wedding and then saved to be eaten at the child's christening. Of course, in more...

Many brides spend months or even a year planning their wedding and then suddenly the special day has come and gone. Hopefully the ceremony went off without a hitch, the photographs turned out perfectly, the food was fabulous and the celebration was an event to remember. But there is one more way to experience and remember the fun of your wedding day - enjoying a piece of wedding cake on your one year anniversary.

Age-old Tradition

The custom of eating a piece of your wedding cake on your anniversary goes back for hundreds of years to a time when cultural conventions were different than many of our practices today. Most couples would be expected to have a child within months of the wedding day and so to save money, extra cake would be prepared for the wedding and then saved to be eaten at the child's christening. Of course, in those days wedding cakes were more like brandy infused fruitcakes and kept well without the benefit of today's preservation and storage techniques. Today, the tradition of saving your cake top focuses on celebrating the anniversary milestone and sharing the memories of the wedding day.

Storage Tips

The thought of eating one year old cake is not too appealing to some, but your cake top can be just as delicious as the day you said "I do" if it is wrapped and frozen properly. Simply covering it with some foil or sticking it in a plastic bag is sure to create a frozen disaster. Freezer burn occurs when moisture on the surface of food evaporates due to prolonged exposure to air. To prevent it, wrap food tightly to remove excess air from all packaging. As soon as possible following your reception, follow these steps to successfully preserve your cake top:

1. Place your cake top in the freezer for one hour to set the frosting. Don't forget about it! This quick freeze is just to set the icing and keep it intact for storage.
2. Remove the cake from the freezer and tightly wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap, pressing gently around the sides of the cake to remove excess air.
3. Place the wrapped cake into a large plastic bag and again press out as much excess air as possible. Insert a straw into a small opening at the top of the bag and suck out any remaining air.
4. Place your cake on a level surface near the back of your freezer where it is furthest from the door and continual drafts from the opening and closing door.

Enjoying Your Anniversary Cake Top

When it's time to enjoy your edible keepsake take special care in defrosting the cake top.

1. Take the cake out of the plastic bag and remove the plastic wrap. This will keep the icing intact and looking good as it defrosts.
2. Place the cake in the refrigerator and allow it to slowly defrost for several hours.
3. About an hour or so before serving, remove the cake top from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature.
4. Slice and enjoy!

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You've selected the perfect dress, chosen gorgeous flowers, reserved an awesome venue and planned a delicious dinner for your guests. But there is still one more all-important wedding detail you don't want to skimp on... your wedding cake. A stunning cake is often a highlight of the reception, so take the time to make it special. Ann's Cake Pan offers free consultations where you can sample cake, choose filling flavors and select a cake design. Here are a few suggestions for things to think about before arriving at your consultation:

Wedding Theme and Mood

Arrive at your consultation prepared to discuss the theme of your wedding with the consultant. Are you looking for an elegant, formal tone or would you prefer a cake that fits in with a themed wedding, such as a vintage, beach or interest-focused theme. Your theme will most likely determine the style of cake you choose. Do you want round or square layers, cake stacked on cake or layers supported with pillars? Will you choose a cake with subtle tones or tinted icing that coordinates with a color scheme used elsewhere? While we have many model designs from which you can choose you may already have an idea. Be sure to bring a more...

You've selected the perfect dress, chosen gorgeous flowers, reserved an awesome venue and planned a delicious dinner for your guests. But there is still one more all-important wedding detail you don't want to skimp on... your wedding cake. A stunning cake is often a highlight of the reception, so take the time to make it special. Ann's Cake Pan offers free consultations where you can sample cake, choose filling flavors and select a cake design. Here are a few suggestions for things to think about before arriving at your consultation:

Wedding Theme and Mood

Arrive at your consultation prepared to discuss the theme of your wedding with the consultant. Are you looking for an elegant, formal tone or would you prefer a cake that fits in with a themed wedding, such as a vintage, beach or interest-focused theme. Your theme will most likely determine the style of cake you choose. Do you want round or square layers, cake stacked on cake or layers supported with pillars? Will you choose a cake with subtle tones or tinted icing that coordinates with a color scheme used elsewhere? While we have many model designs from which you can choose you may already have an idea. Be sure to bring a photograph to the consultation so your decorator can better discuss design options with you.

Frostings and Decorations

The type of icing you choose may depend on the type of design you select for the cake. Two main types of icing are available, buttercream or fondant. Buttercream icing is a sweet creamy icing with a flavored extract added. Fondant has a more dough-like consistency and is rolled into a thin sheet that is draped over the cake surface and fitted to the shape. It forms a perfectly smooth, satin-like surface on which the cake artist can then work their magic. Both icings can be tinted to match your theme.

Ann's Cake Pan hallmark is our hand-crafted, royal icing flowers. We select a variety of flowers to meet your specifications and tint them to coordinate with your color pallet. Our attention to detail and workmanship has fooled many a wedding guest into believing the cake featured live blooms! You may want to add other details as well - colored ribbon, a bride and groom topper, fondant shells, beach chairs, a monogram, or a fondant bow - the possibilities are endless!

Sampling Flavors and Fillings

Next is the fun part - tasting! Our consultations include a sampling of the cake flavors and fillings available. We provide you a variety of each so that you can make a well informed decision about the cake you will be serving your guests. You will be able to mix and match flavors and fillings to meet your needs and preferences. And if you just can't decide - we'll make different flavored layers to accommodate you sweet tooth.

Budget

It's good to know in advance how many servings you will need for your guests. Do you want all of the servings to be a part of the cake on display, or perhaps you'd like sheet cakes available for cutting by the venue staff. Also, are you planning on saving the top layer for your 1st anniversary? Be sure to discuss numbers with your consultant. They can offer you options so that you get the design you love and feed your guests for a great price. We enjoy creating the perfect sweet ending for your special day. Complimentary consultation/tastings are available by appointment. Consultations are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:00a - 7:00p. Appointments run on the hour and can by scheduled by calling us at (215) 675-7491.

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