Today I picked up Confetti Cakes by Elisa Strauss. My bookstore didn't have a great selection, but her book seems to have a great variety (cookies, cupcakes, mini cakes, tier cakes) which was exactly what I was looking for. I really like her style, it seems clean and neat and exactly how I'd like to be when I have talent someday.

Inspired by the move Julie & Julia, I'm going to decorate my way through Ms. Strauss's book. Some seem pretty doable, others I am really going to push myself through. But, I think that doing this is going to push me past where I am now (Wilton Course 3 grad. Woohoo!! ) into a much better decorator.

If you have the book (or heck, even if you don't), I'd appreciate any and all criticisms you have for me.

Sounds like fun and very yummy. Please remember to post pictures as you work your way through. When it comes to baking it is always good to go outside our comfort zone. Good luck and happy baking.

I have that book (signed) and love it. And no, I didn't get to meet her, but my friend went to NY and took her private lesson that she offers. She took my book with her and Elisa signed it! I'm excited to see what you do, AND see the Julia & Julie movie!

Have fun,

Good luck!! I've taken classes with her and have both her books. She really explains things well you'll do great!

Elisa is a beautiful lady.

Cute idea! Start your own little blog or something. And then email Tyra Banks or something! I'm sure she would put you on her TV show for something like that. Too cute!

Thanks for the encouragement

cylstrail, my blog is going to be: cakesfromlisa.blogspot.com

I looked through the book today with fresh eyes, and there are a lot of them that are definitely going to give me a run for my money! I'll probably do all the cookies at the same time, just for simplicity's sake. 42 different things in that book... yowza. I've never worked with gum paste before and many of the cakes call for it. I guess its time to learn!

That is such a cute and fun idea!! I've wanted to do something like this but with dinner foods (I guess a little more like the movie...) for a loooong time now. My family is so picky though I'm afraid a lot of food will go wasted

Have fun!! I can't wait to see the pics!

Great idea. I have a cookbook that I've had for a while now. There are so many recipes that I want to try. I have been considering cooking through the book and just trying everything. You really have me giving this even more thought! LOL!

You'll love the book...It was one of the first I bought...I make her Red Velvet over and over ...the bow directions are fantastic...it's a super book!