Sugar Rush

Peter Rabbit Birthday Cake

2012-02-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

We have had a lot of people wanting to see more of the Peter Rabbit cake we created at the end of last year for one of our best clients. So here are some snaps of the cake in progress. We started with a sturdy marble mud cake, and began with the body, and then his head. Once Jon had achieved the overall shape, we gave Peter a good coating of ganache.

Now we were on to the good stuff! Jon really did make Peter Rabbit come to life! The ears, tail, jacket, and shoes were adorable. But the carrot, that was incredible. Made from modelling chocolate, it was so unbelievably realistic. For me, that was my favorite part. As a girl I had every book in the Beatrix Potter set, so this cake was really a dream come true to create.

Summer Breeze Dessert Bar at Caves Beachside Hotel

2012-02-02T04:13:00.000-08:00

This is one of my all time favourite dessert bars, at one of my all time fav venues. It's refreshing, fun, surprising, yet sophisticated, and it just screams fun!

If you are looking for a wedding venue in Lake Macquarie, check this place out for sure. Caves Beachside Hotel is only 20 mins from Newcastle, has incredible views, fabulous new decor that I would kill to have in my own home, great food, and an awesome wedding co-ordinator. Adam Loades, is a sesaoned pro, and is one of the best in the biz. Calm, patient, and extremely knowledgable, I have yet to meet a couple that doesn't fall in love with him as much as the place.

When it came time to create this dessert table, I really wanted the colours to pop, but still remain cute and romantic. The key is as much in the muted tones as the shades we opted for. We were going for a very California Dessert look with layers of soft sorbet shades.

We chose to go with mostly dessert options, and only a handful of sweets. That being said, these are not your average desserts. Ice- Cream cake pops, floral cupcakes, three layer white chocolate mousse, were as much at home as the toffee apples and lemon meringue pies.

The wedding cake itself was a two tier green/ white version of the insane ruffle cake by the brilliant Maggie Austin. 19 layers of ruffles on each 5" high tier, meant the ruffles alone took more than 8 hours to create. I have to say though, they were worth every minute Bec spent creating them!

For more details on our services, please email us at sugarrush@bigpond.com or call (02) 4948 1286. If you are keen to check out Caves Beachside Hotel for yourself, give Adam a call on (02) 4980 9999 or email adam@cavesbeachside.com

What is inspiring us

2012-01-20T19:47:00.000-08:00

Right now, with summer in full swing, and hot ovens making us dream of cool breezes, I've been drawn to coastal, cooling hues. I love this inspiration board from Snippet and Ink. I've followed their blog religiously for almost four years. They are a fabulous place to start when looking for that perfect theme board.

Although if I were looking for myself, I just cannot go past this board.

Our Christmas Cake Pop and Cookie Class 2011

2011-12-24T02:18:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Christmas, Sugar Rush created a cookie and cake pop class for our students. It was a great chance for some of our regulars to catch up and wish each other a happy holiday season, and also to learn more new skills to impress their loved ones!

What a fun, messy class! We taught students to cover cookies with icing, royal icing flood work, as well as fine piping and glitter everything in sight.

The cake pops were awesome. Snowmen everywhere, and forest of trees, as well as sprinkles and ornaments. For anyone who missed this class, we do have an Easter class on our schedule.

Happy Holidays and happy baking to everyone. Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you all in class next year! xx

Alyssa & Mark - 27th November 2011

2011-12-13T16:57:00.000-08:00

This gorgeous white wedding took place in the beautifully rustic Peppers Creek Barrel Room. We LOVE LOVE this venue. It is such an amazing atmosphere, and Ken and Marion and the staff are just wonderful.

We created a stunning 3 tier swiss dotted cake, complete with ivory doves and an all white candy table, that was layered with sweets made in store as well as imported from the US. It truly was one of the most elegant tables we have created. It matched perfectly with the tiffany chairs, mirrored tables and romantic flowers all supplied by Peonies Floral Designer. We were lucky enough to receive these stunning photos from Peonies in order to share this wedding with you.

Giant Cupcakes

2011-12-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

One cake we keep seeing popping up all over is the giant cupcake this year. From Weddings, to 18th Birthdays, to 40th's. Romantic, feminine, to fun and quirky, we are loving them!!!

Kristy & Brian - 4th November 2011

2011-11-22T02:14:00.000-08:00

The wedding of Kristy and Brian took place at the picture perfect Peppers Convent, with the reception held in the garden marquee. It was such a warm day, we chose to set up the cake and sweets after the ceremony, and by the time we arrived, the marquee looked breath-taking. The table were set with vintage books, eclectic jars and vases with soft floral accents and decorating by the very talented Peonies Floral Designer.

The entrance to the marquee had hanging glass candles and flowers. I can only imagine how beautiful and glowing the entire space would have been after dark.

The wedding cake was set on a vintage table, and topped with fresh flowers. The scalloped lace border was piped on to give a delicate feminine feel that tied in with the rest of the marquee. Keeping it in shades of whites and ivory rather than adding colour helped to achieve a romantic look rather than being so matchy-matchy with the other accents in the wedding party.

The dessert table, for Kristy and Brian, was all about homestyle desserts, not jars filed with candy. They wanted cakes, cheesecake, friands, cupcakes, lemon meringue pies, all things that are baked, warm and comforting. I loved creating the ruffle cake, this time it was gluten free, so all their guests could enjoy it. Our incredible crumb cakes were in peach, blueberry, and berry/rhubarb as well.

Macarons, are of course, a staple on our tables, as we do make wonderful flavours, as are brownie bites and cake pops. Kristy and Brian made such wonderful choices, absolutely full of my personal favourites.

Congrats guys, wishing you all the very best. Love Love

Sugar Rush Cake Design School Course Schedule 2012

2011-11-16T05:11:00.002-08:00

Below is the course schedule for the first half of 2012. For more details please call (02) 4948 1286 or email sugarrush@bigpond.com

January 2012

Sunday 8th Sugarpaste Figurines 9am - 4pm $275

Tuesday 10th Buttercream Cakes 10am - 2pm $200

Tuesday 17th Modelling Chocolate Basics 10am - 2pm $180

Sunday 22nd Beginners Sculpted 2 Bird House 9am - 4pm $375

Tuesday 24th Sugarpaste Orchids 10am - 4pm $275

Wednesday 25th Beginners 1 Round Cake 10am - 4pm $330

Tuesday 31st Garden Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150

Febuary 2012

Sunday 5th Beginners Sculpted 1 Handbag Cake 9am - 4pm $375

Tuesday 7th Cookies and Cake Pops 10am - 3pm $180

Friday 10th Edible Painting $180

Sunday 12th Cupcake Bouquet 10am - 2pm $150

Sunday 19th Sugarpaste Roses 10am - 4pm $275

Tuesday 21st Beginners Piping 10am - 2pm $150

Sunday 26th Beginners 2 Square Cake 9am - 4pm $330

March 2012

Sunday 11th Couture Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150

Tuesday 13th Wedding Sugarpaste Figurines 9am - 4pm $375

Friday 16th Easter Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150

Sunday 18th Buttercream Cakes 10am - 2pm $200

Sunday 25th Easter Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150

Tuesday 27th Wedding Cupcakes 10am - 4pm $225

April 2012

Sunday 1st Easter Cookies and Cake Pops 10am - 3pm $180

Tuesday 10th Cupcake Bouquet 10am - 2pm $150

Sunday 15th Beginners Sculpted 2 Bird House 9am - 4pm $375

Tuesday 17th Wedding Cookies $180

Sunday 22nd Beginners 1 Round Cake 9am - 4pm $330

Tuesday 24th Mini Cakes 10am - 3pm $250

Sunday 29th French Provincial Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150

May 2012

Sunday 6th Beginners 2 Square Cake 9am - 4pm $330

Tuesday 8th Garden Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150

Tuesday 15th Modelling Chocolate Basics 10am - 2pm $180

Sunday 20th Sugarpaste Figurines 9am - 4pm $275

Tuesday 22nd Beginners Piping 10am - 2pm $150

Saturday 26th/ Sunday 27th Intermediate Sculpted 1 Teaspot and Teacup 10am - 4pm $450

Wedding Cupcakes 10am - 4pm $225

June 2012

Sunday 3rd Cupcake Bouquet 10am - 2pm $150

Tuesday 5th Advanced Piping and Brush Embroidery 10am - 2pm $220

Saturday 9th/ Sunday 10th 2 Tier Round Cake Class 10am - 4pm $450

Tuesday 12th Sugarpaste Roses 10am - 4pm $275

Tuesday 19th Beginners 1 Round Cake 10am - 4pm $330

Friday 22nd Garden Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150

Sunday 24th Wedding Cupcakes 10am - 4pm $225

Tuesday 26th Buttercream Cakes 10am - 2pm $200

Shelley & Taylor - 8th October 2011

2011-11-13T02:02:00.000-08:00

Chateau Elan was the gorgeous back drop to the classic elegant wedding of Shelley and Taylor back in October 2011. Tones of white mixed with just a hint of soft pink and navy. This is a colour scheme I am in love with at the moment. I love black to ground a table, however navy provides a sophistication that makes it my all time fav.

We created a gorgeous three tier white damask wedding cake set on an ivory cake stand. It had a elegance and structure that I really loved. Two cupcake bouquets added perfect symmetry to the table and added softness. Not to mention delicious White Chocolate and Raspberry cupcakes!

Other sweets included Blueberry Tarts, French Macarons, Melting Moment cookies with Strawberry filling, and fudge courtesy of Hunter Valley Chocolates.

We used a mix of platters and glassware, as well as vintage crystal. Inside the jars were Champagne Bubbles, imported from the US, our Homestyle Marshmallows, and Brownie Bites, whilst the platters consisted of everything from Mini Cupcakes, to our amazing White Chocolate Blondies with Maple Cheesecake Filling! I loved everything about this table. The colours, the food choices, it was perfect. I love how structured and elegant it looks, yet at the same time, the sweets themselves are so comforting, homestyle and approachable. You want your table to be filled with desserts your guests will really love to eat, not just stare at all night.

Congrats guys, hope you day was nothing short of amazing!!!

Inspiration can come from anywhere....

2011-10-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

We find the inspiration for our cake designs from just about anything! When we look through magazines, visit stores, watch shows, we look for patterns, shapes, designs. This cute magazine style page inspired a fun cake full of texture, colour and personality!

A Dessert Table to Top all Dessert Tables

2011-10-11T02:36:00.000-07:00

This is a table we created with a grand ballroom in mind. We wanted to create a dessert bar that was sophisticated, elegant, and striking, yet at the same time unexpected, charming and sweet. I simply love the use of flowers in jars with lids. It's as though we are restraining nature, and making it be contained in our little spaces.

These stunning images come courtesy of Roger at Popcorn Photography. Anyone looking for a wedding photographer, check them out for sure.

We made a gorgeous cupcake bouquet and ruffle cake to add a romantic feminine element. At the same time using sugar cookies and Greek shortbread to bring warmth and comfort. Gold cake pops and macarons add drama and a certain air of class and glamour.

For us the star of this table is of course the cake! This platformed three tier cake has hundreds of hand piped swiss dots, and the most lovely sugarpaste roses, ranunculus, blueberries and sweet peas. Little blossoms and tendrils of doda vine add that cottage charm to an otherwise elegant cake.

This table is also the first time we have used our custom made chocolates. These were Whitman's Peanut Brittle with polka dot personalised wrappers. All available through special order. They are the perfect gift for your guests or to add to a gorgeous dessert spread.

Photography by Roger at Popcorn Photography.

French Provincial Cupcake Class

2011-10-10T05:22:00.000-07:00

This is the newest cupcake class on offer at Sugar Rush. It is perfect for those students who have taken our other cupcake classes, or those who have some previous cake experience. They are sophisticated, complex, refined and most of all delicious!

This class we will be honing your icing skills. We will be teaching you how to make the perfect delicate ribbon rose, work with molds and cutters. You will also get a chance to do some silver hand-painting as well as those perfect stripes.

This class is all about pushing students to use different tools and equipment, as well as becoming more comfortable with technical cake terms, although for those of you who have attended our classes, there will still be our usual antics and bizarre pet names for what we teach. There has to be fun and laughter to make Sugar Rush go round!

Students will be creating much more realistic blossom flowers this time as well as using impressions, patchwork cutters, fine piping, and even two tone piping. We want to expand your skills set and push you to try new things. We have fallen in love with these designs, and we hope you will too!

If you are interested in attending our classes, please call us on (02) 4948 1286

All this wonderful photography is dine by the hugely talented Rog at Popcorn Photography.

Our Sugarpaste Roses Class

2011-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday we had the great pleasure of teaching 4 of our students how to create stunning sugarpaste roses. It was a beautiful sunny day, and the girls all came early, excited to see what they were going to create. The class was made up of one super sweet bride of ours, Gabby, a decorating machine! Kat, and two new converts, Kendall and Michelle, who thanks in part to our classes have discovered a new passion: Cakes and Icing!!!

In class we taught how to make the perfect "imperfect" rose, a closed peony, and a wild open rose. All have their own ways of creating petals, shaping, veining, and drying. All with their own little tips and tricks.

Over the day long class, we spent much of the time working at a nice calm pace. The students were amazingly fast learners, and it was incredible to see their flowers taking shape in front of them. We really had a wonderful day sharing our experience and teaching techniques that were quite new and foreign to our students. But they kept an open mind, and continued to see their creations grow. The sense of pride they exhibited once the final open rose was complete was inspiring. All the girls did amazing. Their creations are below, and I hope this class inspires them to continue creating beautiful floral cakes and sweets.

Happy Decorating!

Megan & Peter - April 9th 2011

2011-09-29T05:06:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year we had the great pleasure of creating a cupcake masterpiece for Megan and Peter's mid north coast wedding. It's not every day that we meet a couple with such a unique and down right cute idea of how to bring the fun into their reception. From the moment I met with Megan, I knew we were going to create something really incredible.

I loved the concept of adding a tipping teapot and mini cakes as tea cups into a cute cupcake tower, just to add that extra touch. Jon's expertise created the teapot, that stood as the crowning jewel on this amazing stand. The very "Alice" cupcakes were simple, but yet they added depth and personality to the tower without being unromantic. And those doggies, Bec just did an incredible job making them just like the couples darling pooches.

To see more of this wedding, it can be found in the current Your Hunter Valley Wedding Planner Magazine, as well as North Coast Weddings. Photography by Imprint Imaging. Styling by Occasion to Impress.

Sugarpaste Roses Class - 27th September 2011

2011-09-19T04:24:00.000-07:00

Next week we have our first ever sugarpaste flower class. Roses, peonies and Wild Roses. This is an all day class, costing $275.

There have been a lot of interest in our roses over the years, they are known for looking extremely realistic. This is achieved through a combination of techniques, veining, dusting and assembling petals together. We are going to teach step by step how to create these stunning roses.

As well as our signature roses, we are teaching closed peonies, full like our roses, yet more ruffled, imperfect, and layered.

We have a third design, the Wild Rose, which will be a very garden inspired design, that will be revealed in class, for everyone to see, touch and examine.

For anyone interested in this class, please email us at sugarrushclasses@bigpond.com or call us on (02) 4948 1286.

Our First Couture Cupcake Class

2011-08-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we had he great pleasure here at Sugar Rush, of spending our day with 9 amazing ladies. Some new faces, some regular students; all excited to expand their cake decorating skills with our new Couture Cupcake class.

Vanilla cupcakes, soft pink icing, lots of sugar, and big smiles. Pair that with a few coffees, a cupcake lunch, and you have yourself the perfect girly day.

This class is all about pearls, lace, bows, and shimmer. We start with the fondant details, so they have the afternoon to dry. The girls loved making the lace flowers, everyone creating different little blossoms to make it their own. The pearls were lots of fun, especially dusting the gold shimmer - somehow I think there was more on hands than anything else!!

After our "healthy" lunch, we got working on those fondant cupcakes. The concentration level went up quite considerably for the black piped dots; but everyone did incredibly well. Especially considering some girls had never held a piping bag in their lives. So proud!

These classes will be running once a month or so, please see our course schedule for more details.

Thank you to every one of our students for making this first Couture Class such a success. We could not be happier with the day, and your amazing creations. We love the little personal touches you made to your sweets, and can't wait to see more creations as you grow as cake artists!!

Images courtesy of Brooke Aime Art

Our beautiful girls photographed by Renee Bell of NFE

2011-08-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful chance to have our gorgeous girls, Hunny and Sydney, photographed by Renee Bell of NFE. They had an amazing time, lots of giggles, and the end result was incredible shots that are will hang on every wall in the house!

If anyone is interested in finding out more about Renee's work, check out her website and facebook. Her images are simply stunning, revealing, and honest. I love seeing her updates, and watching her body of work expand and grow to be one of the best in the world.

2011 Class Schedule

2011-08-11T03:48:00.000-07:00

Sugar Rush Cake Design Studio is well and truly underway, with classes popping up all over the year. It's time to get serious, and so below is the course calendar for the rest of 2011.

If you are interested in finding out more information, please call us on (02) 4948 1286 or email us at sugarrushclasses@bigpond.com

A full course outline will be featured on our new website in the coming weeks, and we will be adding images of each class cake shortly.

August 2011

Friday 12th Cupcake Bouquet 10am - 2pm $150
Sunday 14th Beginners Sculpted 1 Handbag Cake 9am - 4pm BOOKED OUT $375
Sunday 21st Couture Cupcakes 10am - 2pm BOOKED OUT $150
Saturday 27th Cupcake Bouquet 10am - 2pm $150
Sunday 28th Garden Cupcakes 12noon - 5pm at Tulloch's Wines, Pokolbin $180

September 2011

Tuesday 6th Couture Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150
Tuesday 13th Garden Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150
Tuesday 20th Cupcake Bouquet 10am - 2pm $150
Sunday 25th Couture Cupcakes 10am - 2pm BOOKED OUT $150
Tuesday 27th September Sugarpaste Roses 10am - 4pm $275

October 2011

Sunday 2nd Buttercream Cakes 10am - 2pm $200 ALMOST BOOKED OUT
Tuesday 11th Cupcake Bouquet 10am - 2pm $150
Sunday 16th French Provincial Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150
Tuesday 18th Couture Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150
Friday 21st Beginners 1 Round Cake 10am - 4pm $330
Sunday 23rd Beginners Sculpted 1 Handbag Cake 9am - 4pm $375

November 2011

Sunday 6th Cupcake Bouquet 10am - 2pm $150
Tuesday 8th Christmas Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150
Sunday 13th Beginners Sculpted 2 Bird House 9am - 4pm $375
Tuesday 15th Sugarpaste Figurines 9am - 4pm $275
Sunday 20th Buttercream Cakes 10am - 2pm $200
Tuesday 22nd Garden Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150
Sunday 27th Beginners 1 Round Cake 9am - 4pm $330
Tuesday 29th Couture Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150

December 2011
Tuesday 6th French Provincial Cupcakes 10am -2pm $150
Sunday 11th Christmas Cupcakes 10am - 2pm $150
Tuesday 13th Christmas Cookies and Cake Pops 10am - 3pm $180
Friday 16th Cupcake Bouquet 10am - 2pm $150

Sneak Peek: Hunter Valley Gardens Wedding Open Day

2011-08-01T06:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday we attended the Hunter Valley Gardens Wedding Open Day. It was a gorgeous sunny winter day, and the vineyard setting was amazing. Tempus Two, if anyone is looking for a wedding venue, is a stunning sophisticated space with high ceilings, a lovely bar area, wine barrels floor to ceiling, the entire room just works!

We were lucky enough to be placed next to Peonies Floral Designer, well known as the best floral designer in the vineyards, and I suspect, the country. Darlene has been in the floral industry for around 20 years, and has remained at the cutting edge of floral design for all this time. Her sense of style, colour, flow and proportions are impeccable. I simply cannot fault Peonies. Every wedding we jointly style a reception, we create incredible displays of sweets and flowers. So when it came time to prepare for this HVG expo, we felt the natural thing to do to showcase our designs, was to create a joint mock wedding reception.

For us, adding flowers, rose petals and tea lights into our space, and cookie bonbonniere into their's, just made sense. We love to meld the two together. For us, it's about harmony between all the pieces in the reception room. It needs to read as one; as though it was created by the one person, rather than a culmination of separate parts. But that truly is the beauty of working side by side. Many minds do really bring out the very best in each other.

The desserts on this table reflect a soft romantic colour scheme, whilst incorporating natural baked hues. This just takes down the sophistication level of the design, and makes it sit comfortably in this mildly rustic vineyard setting. Personal style needs to be paired with elements that recognise the venue and location in order for it to really work.

Darlene at Peonies created a reception table that would be the envy of any bride. I see many reception rooms, but this quite honestly, took even my breath away! The layers, the complex design, paired with simple flowers, just worked in the space. Kale, baby's breath and sweet peas may not be on every floral designers list, but this is what I find so exciting about Peonies. I always know their designs are going to blow me away, I just never know how!!

When it came to creating a cake for this Open Day, we knew it had to be a show stopper. We created an ivory four tier extended cake with a gorgeous lace border on each tier, and decorated with sugar peonies and hydrangeas. The lace work on this cake took three decorators 5 hours to complete, whilst each sugar peony took 3 hours to create. The aim was to design a cake that was refined, timeless, and classic. One that was polished and elegant, yet still retained the modern clean lines we adore creating.

We would like to thank Brooke Aime Art for supplying these stunning snaps of the day. They are just beautiful!

Caroline & Trevor - Chateau Elan

2011-07-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

Caroline & Trevor were one of our gorgeous couples, that really captured our hearts. They wanted their cake and gifts to truly reflect them, and the beautiful Hunter Valley. We found our inspiration for both these in their stunning yet simplistic invitations.

The understated cake was a simple ivory three tier cake, with a sweet little olive tree at the base. It kept the theme subtle, but helped the couple link the wedding cake to the rest of the tables.

I love these toppers! They were so cute. So personal, not too serious, but not so cutesy as to take away for the refined reception room. It really think that's really what wedding design is all about. Striking that balance between personalisation and keeping with a consistent feel and theme. Today's couples want a wedding that looks classic, elegant, timeless, but yet is relaxed enough for their guests to feel comfortable all evening, show their personal style and reflect their love.

The gifts for the guests were a last minute addition. After looking at many sweets, Caroline opted for a elegant hand piped version of that olive tree, but incorporating the colour in the bridesmaids and flowers for some of them. The tables were stunning. And I have to hand it to this couple. They designed their entire wedding style themselves, and really pulled it off. It was breathtaking when we walked in the room. Just perfect!

Couture Cupacke Class - Sunday 21st August 2011

2011-07-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce the newest class in our Cupcake Courses - Couture Cupcakes

This is a beginners class that will teach a variety of skills, perfect for anyone interested in learning how to make sophisticated, classic, and delicious cupcakes.

In this course, you will learn how to work with buttercream, to produce our perfect soft serve ice-cream swirl, as well as make a delicate ruffle design.

We will also cover cupcakes in Satin Ice fondant, and create lace flowers, sugar pearls, icing bows and work on those fine piping skills by creating swiss dots with royal icing.

This class will again, include the use of all our own tools, meaning there is nothing else to purchase for the class, and we will supply you with one of our cupcake recipes to bake these stunning cupcakes to perfection in your own home.

First class will commence Sunday 21st August 10am to 2pm. More classes to follow in the coming months, hoping to have one every month, though they may vary from weekday to weekend, and possibly a stint in the vineyards.

Photos by Popcorn Photography

And the winner is.....

2011-07-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all our wonderful fans for supporting our business over the years. To celebrate our 1000 Facebook likers, we have chosen to do a give away!

One spot in our August 14th Beginners Sculpted Handbag Cake Class, valued at $375.

We are pleased to announce, that after 42 entries, the winner is.....

Hayley Fuda!
Congratulations Hayley, you have a spot in our newest class, 9am to 4pm Sunday 14th August to learn how to carve, cover and decorate a stunning Handbag made from our yummy cakes! So give us a call or email to claim your prize.

Thank you to everyone who commented about why they love our cakes, and why they keep coming back for their sweet treats!!!

Happy Baking!

Stephanie & Alexander - Peppers Creek Barrel Room

2011-07-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

This was a truly wonderful couple, and indeed family. Stephanie and her mother came to us, with a vision for their reception that was stunning yet comforting. And I think that's really what Peppers Creek Barrel Room is all about. Rustic elegance, warm and inviting, for this winter wedding, yet at the same time an air of sophistication and timelessness that makes each guest feel a little special just setting foot in the room.

A beautiful moment happened right before the bride was set to walk down the aisle. An excited groom burst into the reception room, just to take a final look to see how amazing the room was. He thanked everyone for doing an incredible job, took the time to really savour that moment, and I have to say it spoke volumes of his character. It's such a wonderful experience to see the couple on their wedding day. The excitement in their eyes, the joy in their heart, it just warms you.

When it came to the food, Peppers Creek really outdoes themselves. The range on offer is extraordinary, and all I have ever heard is rave reviews. I know this couple took the food very seriously, especially the cakes and sweets. The cupcakes were all about flavour, warmth, and nature. We wanted to create a tower that made you want to devour them immediately! Lush fruits, chocolate, with just a hint of romantic refinement in those stunning lace cupcake wrappers.

When it came to offering gifts to her guests, this Bride wanted to let her guests to choose their own sweets and treats to take for the road. Keeping with a very New York/ Amy Altas style of clean crisp lines, bridal whites, allowing texture and shape to add deatil and variety to the table. Set on stark white platters, the candy was a mix of traditional sweets, and some imported varieties we ship in from the US.

We created these gorgeous labels to match the travel-inspired stationary the couple used as part of their wedding.

Sweets included champagne bubbes, rock candy swizzle sticks and salt water taffy that we imported. We made the marshmallows, macarons, strawberries, coconut ice and many more in store. We believe in making as many items as possible. That way they are free of preservatives, made fresh using local ingredients, and taste incredible.

Photos courtesy of MMG Photography

Sugar Rush Beginners Sculpted Course 1 - Handbag Cake

2011-07-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation, we are pleased to announce the launch of our first Sculpted Cake Course - The Handbag Cake. This will be an intensive 7 hour class, teaching the fundamentals of cake carving, ganaching, icing in Satin Ice, and creating details using modelling chocolate and fondant.

The end result is truly a work of art. The details on this cake are just incredible, and we will teach you everything you need to replicate this cake in our class. Bamboo handle, piped edges, impressions, and cut outs will all be covered in this course.

Not only will you be able to take home a cake that looks amazing, it will taste amazing. As with all our cakes, this cake has multiple cake and filling layers, making it just delicious! At Sugar Rush, no cake is ever carved from just a solid block of cake. The skill is in creating cakes that stand up to the taste test, not simply eye candy.

This Beginners Sculpted Course will give you a sound base of skills that will enable you to continue building your cake skills, and enrol in our soon to be released Intermediate and Advanced Courses. Every student who completes our full course will receive a certificate of Graduation and a logo they can use on their advertising/ website to show the education they have gained with us at the Sugar Rush Cake Design School.

Check out Facebook for course dates.

Cupcake Classes, Wine and Cheese - Sugar Rush and Tulloch's Wines

2011-07-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

August is just around the corner, and we are fast filling up for our cupcake classes in the beautiful Hunter Valley. Tulloch Wines have graciously allowed us to teach in their beautiful function room, and will even offer a tasty lunch of wine and cheese to all our students.

Tulloch's Wines is one of the oldest wineries in the Hunter, and it's responsible for some of the most sought after wines. We love this vineyard personally, both Jon and I have big favorites in their range, and we thought that better way to spend the day, but eating cupcakes, tasting wines and enjoying a lovely day in the stunning Pokolbin area.

Classes on offer are our ever popular Cupcake Bouquet Class on Sunday 7th August from 12noon - 4pm. At the end of the month, we will return for our beautiful Garden Cupcake Class on Sunday 28th August again from 12noon - 4pm. Classes are both $180 per student, include a wine and cheese tasting, and Tulloch's are even throwing in a $5 off voucher to spend on any of their wines. What more could you ask for?

So email us sugarrush@bigpond.com or call us on (02) 4948 1286 and we will be in touch. Please hurry as this classes will not be on every weekend, they are a special treat offered by both Tullochs and ourselves.

Mon Tresor, Sweet Little Birdy, Nourish Your Soul, and some sweet treats!

2011-07-19T03:46:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we were lucky enough to be a part of a gorgeous photo shoot by Renee Bell Photographer. Not only are the shots beautiful, but it makes me want a cup of that sublime tea by Nourish Your Soul.

I love the colours, the vintage feel, reminds me of tea with my grandma, and my sister's collection of vintage wares all at the same time.

Jon and I enjoy a cup of tea every night before bed. I know it's such an old married couple thing to do...but there's nothing wrong with that! I love old couples, who sit together on park benches, finish each other's sentences and still look at each other with that sparkle in their eye. Oh, I really am a hopeless romantic.

So what do we love to have with out tea? That's easy. Right now, it's those sweet but complicated macarons - Ispahan! What a flavour combination. Mind blowing! Raspberry centre, with a lychee and rose ganache....just thinking about it makes me drool, literally!! They are by far the best sweet I've ever had!

But what post about tea and sweets would be complete without our renowned Brownie Bites! These little chocolate morsels create intensive feelings in our customers. Nothing is quite like this little babies! They have been described as "the perfect little chocolate pillow", "heaven" and "the best things ever!!". And even though I make them, I still to this day can't eat just one! They are popable perfection. And what about these gorgeous cups available from Mon Tresor, stand from Sweet Little Birdy.

So if you are after some sweet treats such as these, pop into our store in Mount Hutton and check them out for yourself.

Images courtesy of Renee Bell Photographer

Cupcake Course Schedule

2011-07-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

We have recently started Cupcake Bouquet and Garden Cupcakes courses at our Sugar Rush store/ classroom. We have so far had a fantastic response to these and so are putting out a July and August schedule for these two classes.

Once we have confirmed the cake class schedule, we will also add this. The cake classes will be a sculpted purse and bird house, for beginners, simple round and square cakes, as well as some ganache classes.

Cupcake Bouquet Class

July

Sunday 17th 10am - 2pm (Mount Hutton classroom)

Tuesday 19th 10am - 2pm (Mount Hutton classroom)

Sunday 24th 10am - 2pm (Mount Hutton classroom)

August

Sunday 7th 12noon - 4pm (Tullochs Wines)

Friday 12th 10am - 2pm (Mount Hutton classroom)

Garden Cupcake Class

July

Sunday 10th 10am - 2pm (Mount Hutton classroom)

Friday 22nd 10am - 2pm (Mount Hutton classroom)

August

Sunday 28th August 12noon - 4pm (Tulloch Wines)

If you are interested in any of these courses, please email us sugarrush@bigpond.com

Our Cupcake Bouquet Class

2011-07-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday we held our first ever Cupcake Bouquet class in our new classroom. What an amazing day!! We had an absolute ball teaching 6 lovely ladies the art of creating buttercream sugar flowers. And what an incredible job they did! In 4 short hours, they created true mastepieces, and all of them left beaming with pride.

We commenced the course with a quick overview of cupcake recipes and buttercreams, followed by the basics. Many of our girls had never held a piping bag in their life, so it was all a new experience. But it didn't take long for them to get the hang of it!

Once everyone was feeling pretty comfortable with their swirls, we moved onto the begonia and roses. The photos speak for themselves! We had some real stand out students, and with a little help they were all confidently creating flowers for the rest of the afternoon.

We were lucky enough to have Meredith from Popcorn Photography stop by and say hello, camera in hand. The shots you see are just some of the amazing photos we received from Meredith. Her work is seriously the best macro shots around. She is a true artist with the lens.

Once we all had a satisfying lunch of coffee, and cupcakes, we moved on to assembling those bouquets. This is where the magic happens. All of a sudden, those cute little cupcakes, looking so sweet, turn into a gob-smacking creation! We as instructors, could see the ladies light up, and realise what they had been creating the whole time. A work of art. That is what it is all about for us. Sharing the joy of decorating with others. Allowing people to grow creatively, to explore their natural talents, and to grow as a person. It was an amazing experience, and I thank each and every one of our students for sharing their Sunday with us. You truly made our day!

Masterfoods/ Masterchef cakes!

2011-06-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

This week we were contacted by the wonderful people at Mars Foods (aka Masterfoods, Uncle Ben, Kan Tong etc) to create 3 Masterchef cakes for a party to celebrate their wonderful relationship with Masterchef, and it's hosts!

After being given some initial ideas by the company, we suggested creating Mystery Boxes. Great part of the TV show for sure, and what better surprise, than for them to be filled with cake!

They may be just a basic rectangular shape, but there's nothing basic about these boxes of cake. The smaller boxes were four cakes, stacked and iced into a 6.5" high cake. They were also delicious! White chocolate and raspberry flavour - our most popular combination. The large, or should I say gigantic cake, was 6 cakes slacked, requiring 24 internal dowels, and at 10" high, and 15" long, it took two people just to lift it off the table! Again, an incredible flavour, Milk Chocolate Mud Cake with Cookies and Cream Filling.

Why three cakes? Well, with 300 people to feed, and round the clock shifts, Mars Foods wanted not only there to be cake left for the night shift, but their own cake, so they didn't miss out on the celebration. What a wonderful company! I think more big business should take the time to think about all their staff in this way. Made us proud to be a part of it!

So here are some pics of the cakes. Hoping to get more over time of the actual festivities, and see just who sunk their teeth into our cakes!!

Looking for Classroom Inspiration - Cupcake Art!

2011-06-27T03:49:00.000-07:00

Well, we are proud to announce... we have a classroom! Right next to our shop! The only thing is, it is still a blank canvas. But that's a good thing! Just need to find the right artwork to jazz it up, (and a coat of paint). So off to etsy I go to look for inspiration :)

Love this one, I think it should be our motto! By PosterPop

But this is so cute! by ohhprettyshiny

or this adorable one by AfricanGrey

So much to choice, however will I choose....

thepoppytree, designsbygenee

Guests Love a Sugar Rush!!!

2011-06-25T06:53:00.000-07:00

When it comes to wedding gifts, or bonbonniere, food tends to rank up there fairly high. It's the gift that everyone loves, never forgets to take home, and leaves them with a nice taste in their mouth from your wedding, literally!

We are finding more and more couples are approaching us to do not only their wedding cake, but the little gifts for all their guests as well. Sometimes it's our mouth-watering brownie bites, or cookies, but a large number of couples are handing over the reines to their guests, and letting them choose their own gift! And that's where the candy table/ lolly bar comes into it's element.

It not only allows guests to pick and choose their favourites, it also allows couples to show their personality. A candy table is very much a road map to the couple taste buds. We love to include unusual, zany imported sweets, but many choices on these tables are also the couples favourite lollies! They want their guests to experience their loves on their day. And I think sweets are very telling about a person, and a couple. Some love to add dessert items, some add sweets that are a huge part of their heritage, whilst other couples just want lollies that blow their guests minds, and are in it for the shock value! And that's the great thing about these candy tables, you can include anything you like!

Does that mean we leave couples to fend for themselves in this sea of sweets? Certainly not!

We provide all our couples with a large list of sweets and desserts, and ask them to choose a few favorites or items they deem must-haves. From there, we start making some choices for them; in order to add variety, texture, flavour, and coordinate with the colours and feel of the wedding. Tie it in with some flowers, tags, or a banner, and you have beautiful focal feature in your reception, that tastes as good as it looks!

So have a little fun at the end your night, and your guests will love you for it!

[beloved] photo shoot with Renee Bell

2011-06-23T05:26:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Jon and I treated ourselves to a couples photo shoot with Renee Bell Photography. It was by far, the best time we have ever had in front of a camera! For anyone that knows us, we are not fans of being photographed, and were a little unsure if it was being too full of ourselves to be photographed, for no reason! But we felt instantly at ease after meeting Renee. She was so calm, yet artsy. Quirky yet professional. We loved every moment of it. And the images, well, they speak for themselves!

Renee is well known for being one of the top baby photographers in the country. But she has turned her lens to couples, and in this new field, she is shining brighter than ever! In her words, [beloved] portrait sessions are about unfurling the love that already exists within a relationship by using the art of photography to capture and reflect the way you communicate through looks and touch. [beloved] images are undeniable proof that happiness is more about being beautiful and feeling loved than looking or dressing any particular way.

If anyone wants to check out more of our session, head on over to Renee's blog. There you will find, not just our session, but many couples, all with a unique look and feel to their shoot, but all with that love in their eyes, and passion in their hearts! Enjoy!

Grandma Love and all things Vintage

2011-06-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my Grandmother's Birthday. And even though she has been gone a long time, I will never forget her, never stop loving her, and never stop honouring who she was. She is the "May" in our "Ruby May", the salted caramel in our "Salty Sailor", and she is the love in my heart when I bake...

So today I honour all things Grandma. Her favourite cookies to bake were Rock Cakes. Very old-school...very vintage..and very comforting on cold rainy days such as this. I loved the glaced cherries best of all, both red and green. Always brings back such fond memories.

Whilst I love baking granny sweets, such as Coconut Ice, Rock Cakes, Slices and more, I am nowhere near being the supreme authority on Granny Goodness. No, for that, you'll need to check out my sister's blogs. Michelle is a blog goddess, responsible for Loving the Vintage, and The Royal Sisters. She is insanely popular all over the world, makes incredible crafts, and writes her very own crocheting patterns that are massive on etsy. She basically lives in a granny world, complete with the vintage Baby Bell oven, scarf in hair, and crocheting hook in hand at all times. I couldn't be more proud of her and her success, featured in Magazines such as Notebook, and would love nothing more than to see her published eventually in her own right, she really is that good!

So enjoy this wet, inside kind of day, and the simple things in life. Like a warm lunch, some baked treats, and a grandma crocheted blanket to snuggle under with the ones you love....

Grand Opening Party of our Sugar Rush Cakery in Mount Hutton!

2011-06-11T01:46:00.000-07:00

Last week we had an amazing time, with friends, fans and clients, at our Grand Opening Party. It was a great chance for us to let our hair down, showcase our products, and get real feedback on our new sweet treats.

We were extremely lucky to have Roger from Popcorn Photography there who graciously took photos of our candy bar. For anyone looking for a wedding photographer in the Hunter Valley, check out these guys! Mere and Rog are an awesome couple, with awards, and the fastest turn-around time I've ever seen in the biz. Highly recommend you see for yourself.

Guests included Renee Bell - an amazing couples photographer, and the best baby photographer we have ever seen, in the world!, Leighsa from Michelle-Leigh Photography, who did all our new in-store images, Hello Naomi - one of my best friends, and a cupcake extraordinaire, Valerie from White Magazine, as well as marketing guru's and web designers. It was truly a who's who of Newcastle & Sydney, and we felt very blessed to have them all in our store!

As we suspected, our Brownie Bites were a huge hit! No one can seem to have just one! These little babies are now available to two different sizes of bags, one makes the perfect wedding bonbonniere, whilst the other large 40 pack is perfect for eating with a cup of tea, in front of an open fire...or the telly!

We have also added some more awesome little treats. Our Rosewater meringues are so divine, like eating perfume - and yet somehow that's a good thing!

We discovered that every bag of these sold out that night! Other sweets we now have in the store are coconut ice, marshmallows, cookies and our very cool rock candy swizzle sticks.