Cakes for the recently retired...

Seems like I keep running off my bosses.  I'm sure they are taking on these life-changing events without any prompting from me, but it feels odd to see my former boss and current boss retire in the space of three months in a single year.  I can't but help feeling a touch abandoned.  I will miss them both.  They were very different people, but they were both very important to me.

The first retiree, Susan, is a garden enthusiast.  I took advantage of the fact that it was early spring and did pansies and violets on her cake.  The photos are blurry, sorry.

The little terracotta pots are actually fondant covered cupcakes.  The cake itself was a dark chocolate fudge.  I used a Duncan Hines chocolate fudge cake mix and added some extra dark chocolate cocoa powder.  In between the layers, I slathered on some seedless raspberry jam.  These flavors were well-received.

The second cake was Richard's.  Up until yesterday, he was my "current" boss.  I made his to look like one of the talking book machines that we distribute to our patrons.  The cake was a traditional yellow, but I wanted to simulate a strawberry shortcake, so I spooned strawberry jam between the layers.  I may be exaggerating, but I think Richard was thrilled.

Additionally, I made two dozen Braille cupcakes which spelled NLS.  One of the attendees happened to be blind, and experienced in reading Braille.  She got a cupcake and ran her fingers over it, she was actually able to read it, which was very cool.