Pigs, Bacon and more!

Jeannie Gearin does it again with another amazing blog post.  This time it is a great idea for Father's Day!

Grilling and Father's Day just go together. Many men believe themselves
to be the King of  the Grill and that was behind the theme
for this cake and the matching cupcakes. And at the end of this
post, one more use for a pig mold.

For the board, I covered it with light brown 50/50 paste and then imprinted

the it with a wood grain impression mat. I took a ruler

and marked off wood plank lines. I used a mix of brown and black food

color with vodka and painted in the deepest areas to make them

stand out more. Then, to make it look like painted barn wood, I brushed the board with red dust. I  set aside to let it dry.

I made the ribbon by cutting a circle and letting it dry over night.

I used the ribbon cutter to cut a long one inch wide

strip and gathered the center up into folds. I attached it

to the circle with piping gel and let dry.

 The pig molds can be filled with one color gumpaste and

color brushed  on or with multiple colors. I used pink for the

 pig face and red for the bandana.

I always have better luck with chilling molds in the freezer

for a few minutes.Then, releasing them after letting it sit at

room temperature until it is not so cold and brittle.

I found the markers were easier to use than the paintbrush
for adding details. Mostly, I liked that it dried quicker,
but I am sure it is a matter of personal preference.
A little pink blush on the cheeks and inner ear gave the
pig face much more character.

 The two pigs together make a sweet pair.

These pigs are a nice size for cupcake decorating as well as
cake designs.
I made the banners using a clay letter embosser from the
craft store.

The rope border was made with a clay gun.
The fence was also done with the wood grain
impression mat. A toothpick is inside the fence posts
for support. This was a fun cake to make
and could be customized for several different
summer occasions.

Pigs =Bacon!

Maple Bacon Toffee

{with Chocolate Pigs}

I used my current favorite recipe for toffee which is

from the book Sweet Confections by Nina Wanat.

I added 1/2 teaspoon of maple extract.

After spreading the toffee out on a silpat and

 allowing it to cool, I spread 6 ounces of

semisweet chocolate on top and let chill.

Then, melt another 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate

 and spread that on the other side of the toffee.

While still warm, sprinkle about 2 slices of crispy, crumbled

bacon on top. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel to the

top of the toffee, working quickly before it cools.

Break into pieces and enjoy.

Any standard toffee recipe can be used.

Add to a bag with chocolate pigs and

tie with a bow for Father's Day gift, or
a summer hostess gift or...

Products Used:

Pig #1

Pig #2

Pig Pair

Tree Bark Texture Mat

For more amazing work from Jeannie, check out her blog, The Pastry Tip!