Holiday Baking with Indie-Catur's Scratch Cakes

Struggling to find the perfect gift for several people on your list this year? Well, thank goodness you took a moment to read this blog post. I'm here to help!

First of all, who doesn't adore the scent of freshly baked cake or melt-in-your-mouth, straight-from-the-oven cookies? (I do, that's for sure.) And with the holidays upon us, tis the season for baking-o-plenty. Sadly, I was not gifted with the knack for creating (much less decorating) these scrumptious sweets, so I am exceptionally thankful that a couple of years ago, I crossed paths with an amazing chef and baker named Kristie Sasser, owner of Scratch Cakes Atlanta.

She has made my life so much easier.

"I started out as an Executive Chef in New York City and then moved to Austin where I taught in the baking and pastries department of Le Cordon Bleu. When Andy and I started our family, the restaurant hours just didn't mesh with trying to raise my little ones. That's when I discovered my true passion for creating beautiful and fun pastries and custom cakes. I mean custom-decorated party cakes - who doesn't love them?" admits Sasser. "What I enjoy most is that I get to follow my clients through their lives. I get to know families and then follow them through the years. I come to know what they like, what they are doing, what they've accomplished. I get to be a part of their birthdays, family gatherings, parties, celebrations, and weddings. I just love it."

Sasser is also a mom-preneur, who is helping "Keep It Indi-Catur," as she bakes out of Decatur's own Shared Kitchens. "This setup helps me cut down on the large, overhead expenses that come along with having my own space. As such, I can pass cost-savings along directly to my clients. No, I don't have the fancy shop and showroom, but today's clients are utilizing the Web, social media, and personal referrals more than ever. Plus, my clients appreciate getting to work directly with the company owner (and baker, billing department, and delivery services) as well as the level of service that my little family business is able to provide.

Now that my stomach is totally growling, I figured that I'd "ask the expert" what she'd recommend re: the gift of baked goods this holiday season. So, without further adieu, here are Scratch Cakes' official Top Picks for Delicious Holiday Gifts:

• Office colleagues, bosses, company parties -- salted chocolate/caramel bars, tiramisu cake, fresh-baked scones, or decorated Christmas cookies (both delicious and have a little longer shelf life)
• Hostess gifts -- mini caramel (or chocolate) dipped apples
• Holiday birthdays - Rudolph custom cake or cupcakes
• Business clients -- custom cake or cupcakes (featuring client logos)... realtors could purchase as a housewarming gift for new home owner clients!
• School parties -- cupcakes in a variety of sizes, flavors, or icing combinations
• Teacher gifts  -- decorated cookies, scones, double-chocolate (white and dark) peppermint bark [both beautiful and delicious!]

Scratch Cakes Atlanta uses only the freshest natural ingreients in its "made-from-scratch" products, and Kristie definitely specializes in sculpted, customized creations. Take a look at some of Kristie's amazing pieces online at www.scratchcakesatl.com. My favorite is the three-tiered, garden-themed wedding cake (in a wheel barrow)?!

When asked why she loves the Decatur and Avondale Estates communities, she quickly replies, "It's the tight-knit sense of community, and the fact that folks like to keep their support local. There are so many talented and artistic individuals here that you just don't have to go far to get what you want or need. There is a lot to be said for that."  

In fact, if you click "Like" on Scratch Cakes' Face Book page between now and Tuesday, December 18, you will be entered into a special drawing to WIN your very own custom cake - just in time for that special holiday dinner!  

So, give Kristie at Scratch Cakes a call today. Everyone on your holiday gift list will thank you. :)