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

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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

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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

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"May the Force Be With You"

I wouldn't think many people would give me a questionable look when you mention the title "Star Wars".  I cannot count the number of times I have been addressed as "Skywalker".  Funny enough, "May the force be with you" is probably more familiar even if that person didn't know where it came from.  Now, I feel out of the loop as I question where Clone Wars fits into the story.

Yes, yes, if you're one of those people who could draw out the whole timeline of this saga - I can name two of you - I could benefit from your teaching; however, like most people, I'm not really that interested.  Ok, I take that back, if I'm wearing my Luke Skywalker jacket and medallion from Episode 4, then I might be in the mood for some galactic education.  Don't ask.

This week, though, I was asked if I could do a Clone Wars cake for a 6 year old's birthday party.  I have done more complex cakes and I did some research on what other cake designers have done.  Oh my, did they take it to the next level.  However, to stick to an economical budget for this party, we decided on a 10" triple-layer (marble/chocolate/marble), chocolate butter frosting, and with the Clone Wars design custom-cut into the top.  Usually this is much easier with fondant, but like most substitutes, I rarely try to employ their use.  So, the top was cut to leave a "Clone Wars" void and then carefully piped with a glowing golden-colored frosting.  Ok, for the record it doesn't glow.  My youngest daughter was looking at it after I had just finished it and said, "Dad, it's glowing!"  Really?  As a 6 year old herself, with a fond imagination and maybe more credit is due to how the light hit it just right, she thought it was glowing.  It was the coolest thing to her.

10" Triple-Layer Marble/Chocolate/Marble "Clone Wars" Cake

So Cakes for a Mustang has been really busy these past 6 weeks.  Started more as a result of good laugh and maybe a bit to test a theory on how good my baking really was, I am amazed more and more each day how people praise the taste and design of these cakes.  Some have asked me when I will begin to mass market them.  Honestly, until I have the proper licensing in place will I probably consider that, but I say probably because I am more scared about how big this could get with even just a little more marketing.  I know that sounds like a good thing, but I enjoy being able to fulfill orders and making every face smile with them.  I am worried I wouldn't be able to keep up that end of the deal if this business exploded with orders.  

6" Double-Layer Carrot Cakes compared to the 10" Triple-Layer Carrot Cake.  Size does indeed matter.

If I have learned one thing from both working in the real world and from my graduate business degree, keeping your ear tuned-in to your customers' wants and needs will prove to bring loyalty and could bring the greatest potential profit for the business.

Thanks again for your support!  I have enjoyed making your events - big or small - a sweet affair.  :-)

~Luke

Place Your Order @ cakesforamustang.com

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How Big is the 10" Triple-Layer Carrot Cake?

*Quick post*

So some have asked how big the 10" Triple-Layer Carrot Cake is.  The answer is:  10"  :-)

~Luke

Place Your Order @ cakesforamustang.com

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It's Finally Here!

For some of you the wait has been long.  For others, you really didn't know what you were missing.  Ladies and gentlemen, presenting...

The I.C.S. (Ice cream Cookie Sandwich)

Are y'all ready for the this?  Get ready for scrumptious madness!

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"Milestones"

It has been awhile since my last post and only because Cakes for a Mustang has been busy.  Only open 30 days, the achievements include a new facebook page with 55 "likes"/followers - whom have each earned an extra vote - a twitter page/account (#Cakes4aMustang), and a blog with over 550 page views.  To increase cake sales and customer loyalty, as if that has been a problem, I'm very pleased to now offer the "Loyalty Rewards" card.  If you buy 6 cakes, you'll earn a $10 cake for free.  However, if you'd rather, you can use the perk as a $10 credit toward one of the bigger cakes.  Either way, I've had the privilege of giving out many cards.  The support hasn't been anything short of outstanding.

Some have stated, "Boy, you must not have a life!"  That is true on some days, but those are some of my best days.  I love losing myself in cakes.  However, I do have a process - a method to this madness - where I bake and frost like a maniac and to make sure I have great, relaxing down days.

But, the newest announcement, comes in three forms:

• Chocolate Chip cookies - My favorite baked good of all of time - and a favorite of many others - will now be offered.  This treat surely brings rave reviews at parties.  
• Red Velvet cake -  By popular demand in the recent poll on facebook, the red velvet cake has been requested to be available.  Well, it's now here and for the same low price.
• Custom cakes - Only a select few know that I am in the market to make custom cakes.  There are many, mostly inspired by my imagination.  Feel free to request a custom cake quote.  I would love to help make your event a hit!  Below are just a few of them.

Thanks again for all the support.

~Luke

Place Your Order @ cakesforamustang.com

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