Hopefully, many of you got to enjoy the nice end to summer weather at a park or the beach over the long Labor Day weekend. We reached that perfect balance when there's just enough sun to be warm but not sufferable, and a nice breeze at your back when you sprint into the ocean water... wait, we're still talking about cupcakes. I promise!
That was my mental imagery when I saw these impeccable fondant works by this week's Cupcake Baker, Stephanie Santana. Her friend Shanna secretly nominated her, as "a PHENOMINAL baker, decorator and a personal friend I have known for years. [Stephanie] is a cupcake baker/decorator by hobby not profession ... she should be a professional. Her work, it's so amazing."
Can't argue with you there, Shanna. Keep basking in some summer memories with Stephanie's beach-themed cupcake creations, and read on to discover her (Vodka-friendly!?) fondant tips for Cupcakes Take the Cake readers.
Name : Stephanie Santana
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Website : www.sweetcreationsbystephanie.com
1. How did you get into cupcake baking?
In the late 80’s I learned how to decorate cakes while managing a Baskin Robins. After I quit Baskin Robins I made cakes off and on for friends and family. About 3 years ago I was hit with the cupcake bug and started out trying new recipes. Last year I started customizing my cupcakes with fondant pieces and realized how much fun it was to work with. I took the Wilton Cake Decorating Courses last year to refresh my decorating skills & it was a great investment. I have a lot more confidence now than I did prior to the classes.
2. Do you have a signature cupcake?
I think my style and attention to detail with fondant pieces are more my signature than an actual recipe. This summer I've done so many custom pieces for friends & family from Little Mermaid to Beach cupcakes to dahlias. I have several tutorials on my website.
Beach Towel Tutorial
Surf Trunk Tutorial
Surf Board Tutorial
Flip Flop Tutorial
3. What kind of cupcake do you plan to bake next?
This week I’m working on cupcakes for my friend’s 7 year old, Ruby. Ruby requested Little Mermaid cupcakes in vanilla bean and double chocolate for her party.
4. Where do you find inspiration?
99% of the time I am fueled by the creative gene that I was born with but I am also a huge blog junkie. I love scouring the internet to see what others are sharing in the cupcake world. I like to write up a fondant tutorials so I can share what I’ve learned with others. Fondant can be intimidating to many but it shouldn't be. Once you learn what works & how to handle it the possibilities are endless. When I bring a box of cupcakes to friends or family and see the huge smile on their face I know that I’ve made them happy and that makes me feel awesome!
5. Describe a memorable (funny/disastrous/life-changing) cupcake baking moment you've had.
The first time I worked with fondant was to make 100 gerbera daisies for my friend’s 30th Birthday party. I ordered red Satin Ice fondant because I had heard it was too hard to dye fondant red and colored my own orange fondant. I cut out my flowers and laid them on parchment paper layering them inside an airtight container. I’m not sure why but I thought it would be a good idea to lay bread down in the bottom of my container to absorb moisture. I wasn’t thinking but I used bread from my refrigerator and it was full of moisture! When I went to pull the daisies out as I got close to the bottom layers, they were a gooey mess! With no time to order more red fondant, I made up extra orange flowers so we had more orange than red. In the end it was a great learning experience and it will never happen again!
6. Give one piece of cupcake (fondant) advice for other bakers out there.
Do not be intimidated by fondant. Once you use it you will love it! Here are a few tips that will make your experience easier:
Fondant Tips:
Tip #1: Use vodka or everclear to glue pieces together. Gumpaste glue works too but it gets moldy so you have to make a fresh glue each time you work with it. Vodka doesn't spoil & dries very quick. I use the Cricut Machine Water Brush to apply vodka to my pieces
Tip #2: When dying fondant, dye a small ball then add more white. It's easier to add the color to a smaller amount.
Tip #3: To add more color after your piece is done, fill a small spray bottle with vodka. Add a little dye. Shake & then spray your piece. Make sure to wear gloves and spray over a piece of cardboard. Set on a drying rack to dry for 24 hours.
Thanks, Stephanie! Stay tuned for next week's Cupcake Baker of the Week. Leave us questions, feedback, and suggestions in the comments below. If you would like to nominate someone to be featured, e-mail us at cupcakestakethecake@gmail.com with "Hey Melissa! Check out this Cupcake Baker!" in the subject title.
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