By Mary Ellen Psaltis
Which cake do you put on your cake pedestal? I mean, what cake, when you bring it to mind, brings a smile to your face? For most of my life, the pinnacle of perfection for me was the absolutely traditional white-on-white wedding cake complete with pink rose buds and a spray of small, green leaves (sugar ones, not real ones). The actual cake inside had to be moist, and the frosting thick enough to slather a bit of goo on every bite. That made every forkful a blissful experience. For years, a small plate heavy with freshly cut cake was the highlight of any wedding I attended.
I asked Joy Graham, baker and cake decorator at Classic Creations, if people even ordered that style of cake any more. She assured me that some people do, but now there are just as many people who venture far away from the fluffy white cakes of yore.
Classic Creations has been decorating their house-baked cakes for decades. The palate of choices for your wedding cake (or any occasion) is broad. Chocolate lovers might pick a mocha cake with fudge filling and chocolate frosting. Those with fruity inclinations can select lemon, cherry or banana cake with raspberry or strawberry filling and then top with butter cream or cream cheese frosting. Decorate your cake with rolled fondant or flowers. With thirteen cake varieties, six filling choices and several frostings – the number of possibilities could make your head spin. But don’t fret; they’ll help you if you need it.
Check out the colorful party cakes with beloved trademark characters such as Disney princesses, Shrek and Donkey or Mickey Mouse. My son used to like the ones with construction trucks digging around rocks made of sugar. Maybe you would get a kick out of an all yellow cake of SpongeBob. If you don’t find a design that suits your cake fantasy, bring in your own decorations and talk with Graham or Marsha Wigren (30 years of experience!) about designing a personalized cake.
Graham has worked at locally owned Ralph’s Thriftway for six years and spent many years prior to that in other bakeries. Does she still like cake? “I love it!” She does not eat it at work, but enjoys it at home. I wondered, what kind of cake did she have at her wedding? White on white! So did I. Her favorite is still white on white but she likes raspberry filling between the layers. Some things never go out of style.
Surprise your guest of honor with a cake topped by an edible image. That’s a photograph of your loved one (could even be your pet) that has been replicated with edible paper and laid atop your cake. Cakes at Classic Creations are made one at a time and the homemade frostings are mixed right in the store. Great care has been taken to give the best mouth feel and taste to both the cake and frosting.
You can stop by Ralph’s to find cakes that are all but finished. That means they are decorated but there is space to add your message like “Happy Birthday, Sweetie!” Order your own specific cake at least 48 hours ahead of time. Graham recommends you come in at least two months ahead to arrange your wedding cake. Bayview Thriftway in downtown Olympia sells cakes baked and decorated at Ralph’s.
Whether you want cake (or cupcakes) for over a hundred guests or just fancy a ‘pup-cake’ for a festive dessert, stop by Ralph’s. When you need help with your wedding reception or party planning no problem. Menu planning, cake design and written estimates are provided at no extra charge. Their wide range of services include party platters, floral services, balloons and decorations, linens and much more.
When I was married, my perfect white on white cake with pink rosebuds and green leaves was delivered and set up by Classic Creations. Would you really want to drop your cake the day of the big event?! Some things are better left to professionals.
Bayview Catering
360-357-8016
Finishing Touch Florist & Gifts
360-943-9921
Additional Note: Classic Creations bakes gluten-free chocolate chip cookies that come wrapped in packages of three.
Eat Well – Be Well.
