About Last Night...

How do I say this, Orlando? I mean, last night you were simply...well...

Fabulous.

Yeah, that's the word. :)

John and I arrived extremely nervous for my first-ever book signing, but you guys put us right at ease. It turns out you Wreckies are a kind, considerate bunch who are perfectly willing to patiently wait your turn in line for free cake. And oh, what a Wrecktastic cake it was!

This monster homage of Wreckiness was created by the lovely Johnnie of Something Sweet Cake Studio, located just outside of Orlando in Titusville.

In addition to the Wreck pile-up you see here, Johnnie also provided a yummy chocolate and caramel frosted sheet cake, which disappeared like hot...er...cakes. But, of course, that insane carrot jockey stole the show.

Later in the evening, when the sugar buzz was apparently affecting us all, we actually had a real live baby sitting on that fondant carrot. (Relax; we took it off the cake first.) Someone will have to send me that photo, though, because I didn't get it on my camera. [pouting]

UPDATE:

(AHA! Thanks, Sharlene!)

In addition to the showpiece that Johnnie provided, we also had some truly astounding entries in our cupcake Wreckplica contest. Here's the grand prize winner, by Jackie Cochran:

And here's Jackie wearing her prizes: a CW apron and carrot jockey necklace:

Here are the two runner-ups:

(Bonus points to those of you who recognize/remember all of these Wrecks!)

Choosing the winners was beyond difficult, though; just look at some of the other entries!

(Yes, someone dared to bring a mini CCC [patooie!] to MY signing. The horror! Maybe that's why he or she left her name off. ;) Oh, and the mini order form says "please put vegan icing on it." Heh.)

It's the perspiration wedding cake, in miniature! How cool is that?!?

You can find all of the cupcake entries in the Cake Wrecks FaceBook album.

Thanks again to Johnnie, Sharlene of Photo Art Works (who took all the pretty pics in this post), the Winter Park Borders staff (especially managers Jeff & Selene), and all the rest of you who braved the rain and 5:00 traffic to be there. Here's hoping you had even half as much fun as John and I did!

Pioneering Pastries

Today on the continuing "Virtual" Tour we get to visit Ree Drummond, aka the Pioneer Woman. Yes, THE Pioneer Woman. For those few of you who haven't yet been introduced to this 2008 Blog of the Year winner, Ree is a self-described desperate housewife who went from "spoiled city girl to domestic ranch wife in the blink of an eye." Her site is spectacular, with plenty of humor, gorgeous photography, recipes, and more. I highly recommend a visit.

Now, since Ree is married to a real live cowboy, and does in fact live on a cattle ranch, I tried to find some Wrecks to make her and her readers feel right at home here.

[dusting off hands] There! That should do it.

What, a dead cow is too creepy? Nooo problem.

See, the eyes are open, so that's how you can tell it's alive. Much less creepy.

NOTE: I'm about to post some horse cakes. So first, let's pause and say a quick prayer that no equine-related tragedies are occurring - or have recently occurred - anywhere in the world.

All set? Goodie.

Hey, Phil, why the long lip? (Bwahahahah!!)

There, there, Poncy, I'm sure those spots will clear up in no time. What's that? Why, yes, you do look a little flushed. But I'm sure it's nothing, really.

Dude, you are soo not a horse. [backing away] Oh, but hey, don't mind me. You can hang here with the horsies just as long as you like, uh, sir. Please don't gore me.

Well, my dear Wreckies, we have reached the end of today's post...

...but(t) I do hope you got a kick out of it.

Be sure to check out Ree's post on my virtual visit here, and watch for her gorgeous new book, The Pioneer Woman Cooks, to hit shelves later this month.

Thanks to Wreckporters Regina B., K.P., Amanda L., Luci, Livia B., & Kara H.!

- Related Wreckage: FHOTD, This One's For You