Chef Jeff at Norfolk State

Food Network star Chef Jeff, of the Chef Jeff Project, visited one of our local colleges. Norfolk State University, located on Norfolk,Va. (Behold the Green and the Gold)! All that attended were able to see first hand, the caring and compassion that is often displayed in his show. He spoke to students, staff and many others that only wanted to get a glimpse of the TV personality, but all left with much more.His electric smile warmed the audience as he reminded us on the importance of making and choosing the right decisions for ourselves and our families. That hard work is worth the effort, and it will pay off. He is dedicated to providing a second chance to individuals in the hope that they will see their full potential and shine as stars as well. Everyone purchase a copy of his biography to read the full story that led to his success.(NO, he didn't pay me to say this). Thank you Chef Jeff!

Atlantic City Convention

We decided to take a field trip and check out the convention in Atlantic City,N.J. Wow! I felt like it was Christmas. There was a competition that will be featured on Food Network going on, ( I know who won, but promised not to tell), along with vendors galore. Many new ideas for desserts, as well as cake designs and various equipment. The event was held over a three day span and I enjoyed each day to the fullest. There were also many training seminars that one could take advantage of, many taught by some of my idols.I can't wait until the next convention!!!

LaShawn Merrit

Now for more updates.

Who else was able to provide the dessert for the LaShawn Merit celebration but SilverSpoon Bakery!! Everyone came out to congratulate our own,LaShawn Merrit ,on his gold medals in the 2008 Olympic Games. He was greeted with a parade in his honor as well as a VIP dinner with many city officials and friends. Congratulations again LaShawn! You made Portsmouth,Va. proud.

Paula Deen

Wow! It has been a min. since my last post. I promise I will be more disciplined with keeping you informed. Now, let me bring you up to speed. SilverSpoon Bakery was privileged,(our should I say lucky), to make a cake for the southern queen herself, Paula Deen, during one of her trips to our area for Smithfield Foods. She was so warm and really enjoyed our cake. (so did Michael). I hated the fact that I looked like I was just run over by a bus when I finally got to meet her. Boy, did we work hard that day. ( Rachel at our booth during the show). We delivered several wedding cakes along with working at the event. We knew she was a fan of almond cake, so what could be better? Maybe a bavarian cream filling? Yeah, that should work. So that's what we did, and little to say, she loved it. Along, with several staff members! Thanks Paula! You're a Sweetie"

Well it has been a few weeks since our last meeting. I have been busy trying new brownie recipes and finally found one that I really like and this was the finished product. Chocolaty brownies dusted with powdered sugar. That's it. No need for frosting or other toppings on a simple wonderful creation. Moist,dense and chewy. Not cakey like some versions. Now on to something else. Well maybe one more brownie, now I'll go.


Loved making this wedding cake. The bride needed a cake for 75 guest and wanted her loved for the beach to be know. So, after she decided on the flavor for the cake ,which was lemon with a light hint of almond and frosted with cream cheese buttercream. We added white chocolate shells, starfish, and coral dusted with edible gold dust. I wanted to cut the cake before the bride!

I wanted to do something a little different for a cupcake wedding. Instead of the placing the cupcakes on the tiered stand like we normall do, we decided to dress them up a little and placed the vanilla cupcakes, frosted with buttecream frosting and topped with a fresh raspberry inside organza drawstring bags. Now they are special little presents for all of the guest to enjoy.The bride was very pleased.

With all of the raspberries that were left over, I added them to a chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting. WoW. This was a really good treat at the end of all the kitchen adventures for the day.