A cake portfolio.

Ben started making cakes for competitions with his family when he was a boyscout.

His first cake, since he met Alex, was a 9 inch monkey that was part of a the 12 days of birthday he gave Alex in 2007.



Then came the idea that Ben would make a groom's cake for their wedding. He began learning how to make fondant frosting (from marshmallows) and the practice began.



He created several groom's cakes and each time he got better and better. Getting more creative a needing more specific tools to execute his craft!



About this time he became even more interested in cakes after watching many episodes of Ace of Cakes. Duff, the owner, was a new found hero!


In February of 2008 Ben made Alex's Valentine's Day card out of cake. It read "Lovey whole heart."



In April he took his cake decorating public at Alex's 25th, Twilight themed, birthday party. He made one cake with fruit and the other in the shape of a werewolf's head.








Once he'd gone public the requests started to pour in and each time Ben has tried to out-do himself. As a novelty, a diabetic cake maker, we think he should have his own show on the Food Network!

Amanda's survivor party warranted a volcano - but not just any volcano, one that actually used dry ice and errupted. Complete with the slogan "out wit, out last, out play" on the sides and with chocolate covered candles as the torches at tribal council, it truly was a Survivor cake!






Ben's Mom requested a cake for a bridal shower she was hosting. One specific request. The top layer of the cake needed to be gluten free as the bride had a gluten allergy.





Next came Nate's 3-d grizzly bear in honor of his Bear Grylz Man vs. Wild themed party. Ben started a new tradition with the delivery of this cake. He even dressed to fit the part!







Dave Raley cake decorating contest as his birthday theme and Ben's submission was inspired by our trip to see Wicked this September at the Paramount theater. (See blog).

It's the house on the Wicked Witch's feet!




And as recently as Friday, December 18th, Ben took on his most ambitious cake yet. An eifel tower, french themed cake for Heather Raley's birthday.







What will be next? Stay tuned... A Diabetic Baker in action...

Who's Chopped? Ben - The Birthday Boy

Chopped Jacobson Style

For Ben's 21st birthday we hosted a "Chopped" competition. A cook off where someone teamed with Ben against another couple of chefs. Five courses, ten amazing dishes, with MANY secret ingredients it was a night full of food and fun.



Ben has a new found love for the food channel. Especially the shows "Chopped" and "Top Chef." He had dreamed of coming home to a bag of secret ingredients and a time limit. :)




First Ben teamed with his Dad, Rich, against his sister Emily and friend Brandon. Spam was the most challenging of their 3 secret ingredients.



Course 2 was Benjamin and brother Luke against Tonie, Alex's sister and her friend Brandon. The most challenging of ingredients - a root called Mongala.



In Round 3 Benjamin and James Gunter took on the Bradfords. Secrent ingredients included frest crab, zuccini, and pineapple juice. Two truly incredible dishes were created.




Next to challenge Ben, this time paired with Brent, were Dave and Heather Raley.
Secret ingredients included - bacon, canned crab, chicken, cucumber and coconut milk.




These were truly masterpieces.





The fifth and final round was a head to head between Nate and Courtney Werner and Benjamin and Eric "Trudy" Trudeau. Their feat was to cook with Buddah's hand (a sort of citrus fruit), pomogranate and pie crust.




Happy 21st BenJamin!

This birthday was also a celebration of Ben's many talents. His culinary expertise is developing as are his muscial talents. God has placed a dream in Ben's heart and a call on his life to serve him through music ministry. Ben received from family and friends a new garage door to have installed on his ongoing studio project. The door will keep his instruments and equipment safe and the room warm enough. Thank you to all who contributed. A photo will be coming when it is installed in December!