My New Power Tool

The gals know they’ve touched a man’s heart when she comes home with a new power tool for him.  She's eager to show her man she’s thought of him.  He'll probably think, "What do I have to do in exchange?", but he still finds it impressive that you saved money while doing it too.  My wife, however, didn’t get this “power tool” at Lowe’s or Home Depot or Sears.  She actually found this at our local Meijer and the strings attached are ever so pleasant tasting.

So, as expected or unexpected, I'm in heaven.

Welcome the KitchenAid Pro 500

Do you know what today is? That’s right, it’s Friday, September 30, 2011 and pricing changes tomorrow.  So, have you placed your order yet?  Many of you have already put in orders, some already delivered today and many more to be delivered sometime in October.  Either way, this is the last day to get an exceptionally famous and tasty cake for either the $10 (6” double) or $20 (10” triple) price.  And remember, if placed today, you can push out delivery all the way to December 31.

Thanks again for all you do!

~Luke

Place Your Order @ cakesforamustang.com

www.facebook.com/cakesforamustang

It's About Time

It's about time for what?  To open a bakery?  Not quite.  To go public (NYSE)?  I wish?  Nah...

I have had the pleasure of making many cakes and other delectable items - nearly 80 of them including samples these past 10 weeks - and I never would have guessed what the number one compliment could be:  "You aren't charging enough for your cakes!"  Thank you?  

Yes, I have had the same feeling.  In fact someone told me recently, "if you keep selling them at these low prices, people will begin to think they're...well...cheap."  I did think of that.  But, again, I never realized how much of a hit these would be.  I kind of thought this would be a fun joke to play, a test per se, to see if people would follow through with their dare:  "I'd buy your cakes."  Yeah, right.

You proved me wrong.

So here I am, turning into the baker I never thought I'd be.  I grew up on generic macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, ramen - ooh those college years.  Wow, what a good wife can do to a schlub like me.  My set of tools come in what looks like a tackle box, but would never be useful going fishing.  Inside you'll find food coloring, meringue powder, angled spatulas, pastry bags, and piping tips.  I can run through a recipe in my head - ingredients, oven temperature, baking time - and not flinch or hesitate to review its written form.

Why?  I have no clue.  I guess I just love to create.

If it makes you feel better, I do own a tool belt, two hammers, select power tools, can roof a house, do trim work, and perform auto repair.  I don't particularly care for sports so I guess my manhood has its flaws.  Nonetheless, I am very pleased with the past 10 weeks and the support you have given me.

So, where do we go from here?  You guessed it.  Prices are going up soon.  Ok, I don't want to scare you.  It's not like I'm doubling prices; I actually want to keep my customers.  I don't know what they'll be, but what I do know is the increase will be marginal and new prices will be effective October 1.

What does that mean for you?  You'll still get great tasting and looking cakes as usual.  I'll probably do more to prove your worth as a valued customer.  Without you, none of the this would be possible.  However, if you want to secure the cheaper price, you still can.  You are encouraged to place your order(s) before 11:59pm EST on Friday, September 30.  Your delivery date can be pushed out beyond October - in fact as far as to the end of the year - but only orders submitted before midnight October 1 will receive the discounted pricing.

Thanks for keeping me busy and many more thanks for letting me make you, and your stomach, smile through this venture.

~Luke

Place Your Order @ cakesforamustang.com

www.facebook.com/cakesforamustang

Inseparable: A Man and his Apron

If it wasn’t for my very supportive and loving wife, I probably wouldn’t be posting this.  It’s not that I don’t like to write; on the contrary, I have a newfound love for writing.  It’s just been crazy (crazy like Britney) at Cakes for a Mustang.  Starting the 9^th week, CFAM has fulfilled 60 orders, expects to sell another half dozen orders by the end of the week, and will be honoring a second “Loyalty Rewards” cardholder. 

Again, unbelievable.

How do I still enjoy doing this while working full-time, taking kids (mine and carpool family’s) to school each day, going to soccer practice, making evening meals, and more?  To be honest, I don’t know.  How does my family enjoy this venture?  I don’t believe they were so keen on the idea.  Ok, maybe at first my dear wife was unsure while the girls giggled at the thought of a mustang.  My littlest loves horses and wants to drive FAST!  Yes, the GT is my preference too, honey.  But it really is my loving wife whose support has been unexpected.  She’s feeding me ideas like she’s stuffing the Thanksgiving turkey.  I think she’s just in love with the thought of me in the kitchen or that I wear an apron while I cook and bake.  She has said, “There’s nothing sexier than a man wearing an apron.”

So, I keep up with the regular orders of carrot, chocolate, and dark chocolate.  This week, however, I get to make my first Hershey dark chocolate with Hershey Symphony Almond & Toffee.  Instead of the typical rich chocolate cake, though, this is a yellow/vanilla cake.  It should be a hit.  I haven’t had to fall back on my guarantee yet (crossing fingers).

10" triple-layer yellow cake with Hershey dark chocolate butter frosting and garnished with Symphony Almond & Toffee.

To top it off, I have been asked to make mini cupcakes for a customer throwing a ladies home party.  From what I hear, this little party will be classy.  Let’s just say this customer and her guests will either rave over the CFAM brand or give it a good pitch to the waste basket.  Let’s hope they don’t attempt the jump shot.

Marble with cream cheese frosting and crushed Oreos.

Chocolate with Hershey dark chocolate butter frosting and shavings of Symphony Almond & Toffee.

The ever-so-famous carrot cake with its raved cream cheese frosting.

Again, I cannot express how thankful I am.  You have been a blessing for supporting this journey of mine.

~Luke

Place Your Order @ cakesforamustang.com

www.facebook.com/cakesforamustang