I was very excited to have the honor to help the happy couple celebrate 25 years of marriage by proving dessert for the large party! I knew from the start that this order would be challenging because I was making not one, nor two, but three different cupcake flavors for the event (and if you have missed my last few posts, all orders are place by the two dozen. 72 cupcakes for those who, like me, don’t do math lol). Lucky for her, after the first four-dozen, the next two are half off.
After playing phone and e-mail tag for a few days, Sandy and I decided on Red Velvet with Cream Cheese frosting (my most popular flavor), Chocolate Devil’s Food with Chocolate Ganache, and Yellow Buttermilk with Chocolate Buttercream frosting. After a quick trip to the store, I set to work baking up a storm.
I started with the Yellow Buttermilk because I have never made these before and want to be fresh with the unfamiliar recipe. I quickly mixed the ingredients and popped them in the oven, however, panic struck when my oven suddenly shut off half way through the second dozen.
“Dad….” I called wide-eyed, hoping it was just an issue with the fuse box. It is summer, the air conditioner is on, the mixer is running, the lights are on. I reasoned with myself deciding that there were too many things going on at once. As I look around to see what else had shut off, I suddenly realized that the oven was the only thing to stop working! The air was on, the lights, and my mixer filled with Red Velvet cake batter, was still mixing away.
“Yes, dear?” My father asked coolly as he walked in with his friend Jeff.
“The oven stopped working. Can you fix it please? I have cupcakes in the oven.”
My father went outside, flipped some of the breakers, turning off the lights, the mixer, and the air condition, only for a second before they all cranked back on as if nothing had happened. All except for the oven, which stayed dark, receiving no power. He strolled back in smiling.
“It didn’t work.” I said pulling my cell phone from my pocket and dialing Bryan.
“Oh, well it’s still under warranty.” He said, concern spreading over his face.
“Can they bring us a new oven today?” I said grinning, trying to lighten the situation, as I was sent to Bryan’s voice mail.
“The oven stopped working. Can I bake at your place, please?” I texted to Bryan as I walked to my computer to send a distress call out on Facebook.
When I walked back into the kitchen, the oven had been pulled away from the wall and Jeff had determined that the outlet behind and next to the oven had stopped working. Dad got an extension cord and plugged the oven into another outlet and it blinked back to life.
“Thank you so much!” I said delighted, clapping my hands.
“Your welcome, make sure you call Chris, he’s an electrician.” My dad cautioned.
“Okay.” I smiled ear-to-ear as I pulled the golden cupcakes out of the oven. The oven had remained hot enough to finish cooking them, so I didn’t lose any time, or batter.
The next two flavors, thankfully, baked smoothly. Now I am thankful to be off my feet, in the now cool kitchen. Also, I am excited to join the Shannon family for the celebration!
Chocolate Devil's Food with Chocolate Ganache
Yellow Buttermilk with Chocolate Buttercream
Red Velvet with Cream Cheese frosting
