Live Chat with Susan Carberry of The Cake Cottage

June 27, 201510:00 AM11:00 AM CDT

Live Chat with Susan Carberry of The Cake Cottage

Hi, Susan! Welcome to Cookie Connection and our CookieCon presenter live chat series. I know you're a cake veteran, so I'm really excited to learn how your cake expertise influences your cookie decorating, among other things!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:01 AM

But before we get started, just a few housekeeping notes for newbies to our chats: questions are answered in the order received, but they will not post to the public/viewable area of the chat until Susan reads and answers them. We'll work through questions that were logged in advance first; then start working on questions asked live during the chat. That said, please be patient and do not re-post the same question. It may take some time to answer your question, depending on where it sits in the queue. But I will personally make sure every question gets answered before we're through!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:01 AM

Please also ask just one question at a time - it's easier for our guests to keep track of questions and for others to follow the dialogue this way. So, let's get started!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:01 AM

So I have a question or two for you! First, please tell us about your win on Food Network's Top Five for your 3-D cookie creations! When did this happen, how many people were you competing against, and what did you create?

donaharrisburg10:02 AM

im here

Julia M. UsherModerator10:02 AM

Hi, Dona! I can see you on the roster - and everyone else.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:02 AM

Did you have a question? If so, please post!

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:02 AM

The Show was Food Networks Top 5. It was a series that ran for many seasons over 10 years ago. Each episode had a different theme and I was featured on the Top 5 Cookies that can't miss. This was my first TV appearance so it was very exciting. It wasn't like the challenge shows of today. I had no idea who the other bakers would be or what number I was until the show actually aired. They counted down from 5 to one and I was lucky enough to be number one with my Three Dimensional Cookies. Very exciting! I showed how to make a simple 3D bee hive and then had several other 3D cookies shown. It was a fun experience.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:03 AM

it sounds like great fun - such an honor too!

donaharrisburg10:03 AM

no questions ill read

Julia M. UsherModerator10:03 AM

Please contribute!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:03 AM

I know you're an extreme cake decorator, but how much of your time in your business is spent cookie decorating, and how many decorated cookies do you produce a week?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:04 AM

I don't actually make cookies to sell in my shop. We are a cake, candy, cookie supply store. We also sell over 20 flavors of gourmet cupcakes daily and teach decorating classes. My love for cookies goes back to the beginning of my teaching career. Two years ago I started producing my own line of copper cookie cutters so I am continuously creating new cookie designs. I like to make 5 to 7 different designs per theme. Some of the latest sets include camping, graduation and circus themes.

donaharrisburg10:04 AM

okay I missed the fn cookie show

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:04 AM

It was a long time ago Donna

Julia M. UsherModerator10:04 AM

Ok, gang, we're through with the advance questions in the queue. So I'm eager to hear your questions!

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:05 AM

Bring it on! lol

donaharrisburg10:05 AM

okay thanks what is your online supply store do you have pics of your creations

Julia M. UsherModerator10:06 AM

Dona - Here's a link to Susan's site: http://www.thecakecottage.net/about.php

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:06 AM

The online site it www.thecakecottage.net Yes, I have some photos of the 3D cookies in the gallery and copper cutters and designs in the shop area.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:06 AM

And the store: http://www.shop.thecakecottage.net/

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:06 AM

you're fast Julia

Julia M. UsherModerator10:06 AM

I've gotten used to typing fast for these chats!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:07 AM

I do it with one or two fingers too!

donaharrisburg10:07 AM

smiling thanks to both of you ill take a look

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:07 AM

You are an amazing decorator and webmaster

Julia M. UsherModerator10:07 AM

LOL

donaharrisburg10:07 AM

are your cookies done using only royal icing

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:08 AM

No, I actually prefer using rolled fondant but I do use royal icing also.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:08 AM

Hey, everyone, here is the link to Susan's 3-D cookies in her gallery: http://www.thecakecottage.net/gallery.php

Julia M. UsherModerator10:08 AM

She does some really cool dimensional work.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:08 AM

I know most of the cookie con peeps like the royal but I really like the idea of combining the two mediums

donaharrisburg10:09 AM

thanks I have used fondant but then I don't know what to do with it after its applied

Julia M. UsherModerator10:09 AM

Here's one example, of a 3-D standing turtle.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:09 AM

I know fondant gets a bad wrap. But there are many different kinds available these days. Not all fondants are the same...

Julia M. UsherModerator10:10 AM

So what brands of fondant do you recommend for different tasks? or do you use one brand for all things?

donaharrisburg10:10 AM

wow at that pic love it

donaharrisburg10:10 AM

what brand fondant do you use

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:10 AM

There is so much you can do with it. I like how you can give it depth by using modeling tools and dusting powders

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:11 AM

I am a lover of Satin Ice. I'm actually an ambassador for them because I love it so much? Satin ice.com

donaharrisburg10:11 AM

so your customers ask for fondant?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:11 AM

It comes in so many different colors....

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:11 AM

I don't sell cookies at the shop. Just the cookie cutters.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:12 AM

I find SatinIce to be pretty rigid and tough to wrap around sharp corners . . . so you do anything to soften it.

donaharrisburg10:12 AM

okay I put off getting satin ice it seems fondant is not liked here but I know people eat it

Julia M. UsherModerator10:12 AM

We'll come back to the cutters in a sec, because I have some questions about them!

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:13 AM

Julia, you can add a bit of shortening if needed

Illuminated Cookie10:13 AM

How much of the standing turtle is fondant and where is the cookie portion?

donaharrisburg10:13 AM

waiting for others' questions

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:13 AM

Fondant actually tastes much like royal icing when eaten with the cookie. It just can't be too thick.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:14 AM

The shell, and body are cookie.. the head, arms etc are fondant. I have done several others that the heads have been cookies also.

donaharrisburg10:14 AM

Susan (okay to use your first name?) lol do you use rice krispies to make your forms

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:15 AM

It really depends on the size. If the features that I want to create are small then I just use the fondant. If they are larger then I start with a cookie base.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:16 AM

So, let's talk about your cutters for a sec.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:16 AM

Yes, first name is great... No, I do not use rice krispies for the cookie forms.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:16 AM

Sure,

Julia M. UsherModerator10:17 AM

Why did you decide to launch a cookie cutter business? It seems like it would be intensely competitive? And how do you come up with new cutter designs - divine inspiration, input from customers, other?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:18 AM

I prefer a larger cookie cutter and it was difficult to find them. So I decided to do it myself. Yes, it's competitive but I've always been creative and able to come up with unique designs.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:18 AM

So what's your average cutter size? I like large ones too.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:18 AM

Inspiration comes from all around and from what I feel is lacking in tin cutters.\

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:19 AM

I would say 5 in is average

Julia M. UsherModerator10:19 AM

Questions from anyone else? I feel like I am dominating this conversation, and would prefer not to!

Though I have a kajillion questions.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:20 AM

Another inspirational 3-D cookie from Susan:

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:20 AM

How many are on chat.?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:20 AM

It's an intimate group - there are 6 of us!

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:20 AM

lol that cookie was made for a demonstration at an ices convention in nebraska

Julia M. UsherModerator10:21 AM

But this means more opporunity for people to get their questions answered.

donaharrisburg10:21 AM

are the pics being shown only for display

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:21 AM

yes,,,true

Julia M. UsherModerator10:21 AM

Dona - do you mean are the cookies in the pics for display or for eating?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:21 AM

Not sure what you mean

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:21 AM

You can eat any of the ones I make.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:22 AM

I usually like to do themes that are more whimsical and have a sense of humor to them

Julia M. UsherModerator10:22 AM

So, under what circumstance would you make a 3-D cookie versus just making it from cake?

donaharrisburg10:22 AM

display only not eaten or has this type cookie been requested for consumption lol

donaharrisburg10:22 AM

okay thanks

Julia M. UsherModerator10:23 AM

I can see that; they're all very cute!

donaharrisburg10:23 AM

adorable

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:23 AM

Yes, I have made these cookies for customers in the past. Many of my students have made them for their customers.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:24 AM

These make great cake toppers. So they can be combined with cake designs

Illuminated Cookie10:24 AM

How large are the cookies in the photos Julia is posting?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:25 AM

They are usually around 4 to 6 inches tall. Hollow inside the bodies so I can fill them with a candy surprise that goes with the theme.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:25 AM

Very fun!

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:25 AM

For instance the turtle can be filled with chocolate turtles or gummy turtles, etc

donaharrisburg10:25 AM

you are a caker but do cookies too what type cookie do you use most gingerbread sugar ?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:26 AM

Was going to ask the same thing! Thanks, Dona!

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:26 AM

I love Sugar Cookies. I've always loved doing cookies and cakes.

donaharrisburg10:26 AM

smiling I wish I could always be on the same page as you julia

Kexpressk10:26 AM

May I ask a question. Currently bakers are experiencing with adding jello ro kool aide to their royal icing. Have you tried this tech and especially when you use royal icing on cakes

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:26 AM

If I'm doing a larger centerpiece type display then I will use gingerbread.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:26 AM

Thanks for the question, Kexpressk!

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:27 AM

I haven't tried that. Have you Julia?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:27 AM

I have added jello to my cake batter for unique flavors.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:28 AM

No, I haven't. Have you Kexpressk? What's the purpose of the experimentation? To add flavor or color or stability with the gelatin??

donaharrisburg10:28 AM

yes good question I never heard of that

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:28 AM

with cake batter it adds flavor and color.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:29 AM

So, while we're waiting for Kexpressk, what types of forms do you use for shaping the cookies in your projects. I'm assuming you either mold them in or around something.

Kexpressk10:29 AM

Both but my royal icing used with Julia's gingerbread cookie receipe was a little gritty. I added the whole package but the taste was great but too sweat

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:29 AM

Our cupcake of the month right now is Key Lime Pie and we use lime jello in our white cake batter.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:30 AM

Thanks, Kexpressk, I would expect it would be very sweet. Maybe if you add less to a thinner icing, it would dissolve more fully?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:30 AM

I use anything that I can put in the oven as a form. I really like the older wilton mini cake pans. The balloon pan is my favorite shape for bodies.

donaharrisburg10:31 AM

Julia/Susan - Could she mean jello flavoring or knox gelatin?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:31 AM

No, from above, I think she means flavored/colored Jello.

Kexpressk10:31 AM

Im very interested in adding the jello to the cake batter. this is flavoring how much jello please do you add

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:31 AM

I have also used tin foil to create my own forms, cookie cutters stuffed with foil also.

donaharrisburg10:31 AM

okay thanks julia

Kexpressk10:31 AM

Yes

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:31 AM

Kexpressk

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:32 AM

oops... it depends on how much batter.. we have a huge mixer because we do large batches.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:32 AM

Add a few tablespoons and then taste it

Julia M. UsherModerator10:32 AM

Thanks!

Kexpressk10:33 AM

Okay thank you

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:33 AM

It really just depends on how strong of a flavor you may like. Makes me wonder how it would work in cookie dough. hmmm

Julia M. UsherModerator10:33 AM

So, I'm frankly amazed with all you do - design cookie cutters, make cakes, teach, have an online store . . .

Julia M. UsherModerator10:33 AM

It could be interesting in dough.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:34 AM

Back to forming dough.. I also like to press dough into silicone molds, release it and then bake.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:34 AM

I think you have to be versatile these days.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:34 AM

Can you give us a clearer sense of how much time (on average) you spend doing these things each week? Is one activity more dominant than another?

donaharrisburg10:34 AM

me too susan lol hahahaaaa I wondered how it would be in ri too lol

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:35 AM

Well it just depends on the week. Last week I taught three classes. Went to two City

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:35 AM

oops

Julia M. UsherModerator10:36 AM

While Susan is typing, Dona, I don't understand your next comment/question. Can you clarify it?

donaharrisburg10:36 AM

taking it out could mean it will spread too much?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:36 AM

Two city events, bake and decorate cupcakes daily with my staff, run the shop, etc.

donaharrisburg10:37 AM

the me too etc. comment goes with susan typing wondering how it would be in cookie dough and my ending with how it would/could it work in ri too

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:37 AM

No two days are ever alike.. I am always thinking of new design but sometimes it takes a while to actually sit down and draw them up.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:37 AM

Ok, so it doesn't sound like there's an answerable question there. Just rhetorical.

donaharrisburg10:37 AM

the jello flavors

Julia M. UsherModerator10:38 AM

So why cupcakes as the primary thing that you make in the shop?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:38 AM

Questions from anyone else?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:39 AM

Because I don't have to be here all the time for them to be successful. I've never wanted a full scale bakery. I've always preferred teaching and creating, but cupcakes help pay the bills.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:40 AM

Got it!

donaharrisburg10:40 AM

I can't draw. Do you have an art degree?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:40 AM

I believe in not putting all of your eggs in one basket.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:40 AM

Above is in reference to your design work, I think.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:41 AM

No, I've always considered myself more crafty than artsy

Julia M. UsherModerator10:41 AM

I agree. I think it's especially risky to focus a business solely on high-end decorated art cookies. Too many people are undercharging and too few are willing to pay what they're really worth.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:41 AM

Kexpressk or Illuminates Cookie, any other questions?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:42 AM

Oops, meant "Illuminated"!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:42 AM

Welcome, Nana's Sweet Treats. Any questions for Susan?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:42 AM

So, where do you teach? In your shop only, or do you travel?

Illuminated Cookie10:43 AM

Nope good here. I understand her cookie pictures better now. Before I thought they were mostly fondant.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:43 AM

I agree, plus the entire market has changed. Fewer events are booking because of online tutorials and brick and mortar retail sales are harder because more big box stores sell more cake, cookie supplies and online sales.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:44 AM

Every market had change - I've got a love-hate thing with the Internet. I used to write books, but money there has dried up . . .

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:44 AM

I teach in my shop and all over the united states. I have also been lucky enough to teach in several other countries including Australia, Hong Kong and Canada

Julia M. UsherModerator10:44 AM

Videos are also getting super competitive. Tougher and tougher to make money on YouTube, as eyes have so many more channels to wander than even two years ago.

Illuminated Cookie10:44 AM

Have you ever done any videos?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:45 AM

Oops - "had change" = "has changed" Wish I could edit comments after they post. (That's the perfectionist in me coming out!)

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:45 AM

I know Julia... and I was part of one of the first online decorating sites.. Yummyarts.com.. So I am part of my own problem..lol But my best friend says.. Evolve or die in the market... right...

Julia M. UsherModerator10:46 AM

Agree - it just gets exhausting to continuously evolve though. The last few years have been so tiring for me; ready to retire almost!

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:47 AM

There are also so many free videos now... I also have videos through epicdelights.com

Julia M. UsherModerator10:48 AM

OK, so sorry to sidetrack us . . . Back to Illuminated's question. So are the videos through epicdelights free or for purchase?

Kexpressk10:48 AM

Not yet Julia Im following and learning to much from you

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:48 AM

I think there are always new opportunities out there.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:48 AM

Thanks, Kexpressk. Nice comments are what keep me going!

Kexpressk10:48 AM

Im sorry I had to step away. May I ask another question about cupcakes.... From the success of your business and clientele. Is the preference for the icing fondant or icing. Fondant gives the cupcake a different look

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:48 AM

Both. We have some short free ones and then longer paid videos.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:49 AM

Great question?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:49 AM

Oops - Great question! (Exclamation point)

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:50 AM

The cupcakes we make daily have buttercream, cream cheese or whipped cream icing. We use fondant for accents. You can go to www.thecakecottage.net and look at our cupcake page for photos

Julia M. UsherModerator10:50 AM

Awesome, Susan. And here's a link to her epicdelights.com video channel. Some more great 3-D cookies and cakes here: http://www.epicdelights.com/by-susan-carberry.html

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:51 AM

I'll use fondant flowers or plaques for decoration on top of the buttercream

Julia M. UsherModerator10:51 AM

Is it fair to say then that you think customers prefer buttercream (soft icings) to fondant on their cupcakes (for broad coverage)?

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:52 AM

Julia not sure if you can pull a photo of the 3d valentines bear from that site or a photo of the christmas cookies.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:52 AM

Yes, definitly

Julia M. UsherModerator10:52 AM

I can! Going to grab them now.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:53 AM

People still prefer the taste of buttercream on cakes also but there are just some designs that you can not do in buttercream.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:53 AM

Here are the images from the video site. First the Christmas cookies . . .

Julia M. UsherModerator10:53 AM

Now the 3-D bear . . .

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:53 AM

It's just like some people only like buttercream on there cookies and not royal icing. You usually can't get the same look though

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:54 AM

You are good Julia.,...

Julia M. UsherModerator10:54 AM

Kexpressk10:54 AM

When doing different types of flavoring for your batter for your cupcakes is it better to blend your flavoring like adding bananas or pineapple, etc

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:54 AM

I have to say that I was so impressed with cookie con last year

Julia M. UsherModerator10:55 AM

Just 6 more minutes in the chat, all.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:55 AM

Take that back - 5!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:55 AM

Let's tackle that last question (above) from KexpressK and also have Susan leave us with some parting ideas about what we can expect to see from her at CookieCon!

donaharrisburg10:56 AM

Thanks to Susan and Julia. Good chat. Thanks to all that were here too.

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:56 AM

I usually don't put fresh fruit in the batter. I use high quality flavorings. I also fill many of the cupcakes.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:57 AM

CookieCon is impressive, and I'm super sorry to have to miss it this year. (I'll somewhere between Argentina and Greece. Woe is me!

)

Kexpressk10:57 AM

Thank you so much. I really appreciate the comments and answers. Thanks for the help

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:57 AM

I'm really looking forward to cookie con. I think it is a fresh and exciting show. I will be bringing my whimsical ideas and high energy to my demonstrations. I believe that you can learn and have fun. So be ready to laugh and have a good time....

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:58 AM

Wow Julia ... that's exciting!

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:58 AM

You will be missed

Julia M. UsherModerator10:58 AM

Sounds great! A huge thank you to Susan for spending an hour out of her busy weekend with us. And for so thoroughly answering our questions! Thanks also to everyone who participated. Really appreciate your questions!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:59 AM

I will miss the show too. But these other teaching gigs are pretty exciting too!

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:59 AM

Thank you and I'll see some of you at cookie con....

Susan CarberryFeatured Guest10:59 AM

I'm sure you'll fill us in on your adventures....

Julia M. UsherModerator10:59 AM

Thanks, again, Susan. Great to get to know you! We'll be hearing more from Susan in an upcoming in-depth Close-up too, so stay tuned for that!