CLEVELAND — A northeast Ohio baker is sharing some tricks of her trade with the public by launching a series of events inviting folks to try their hands at creating some tasty treats.
When it comes to “mixing things up,” Brittany Hager had to learn the hard way.
“Once I started following directions and understanding that baking was a science, I was good to go,” she said.
She taught herself the recipe to success.
“I found something, you know, to occupy me, but I realized I’m really good at this,” Hager said.
She started her home baking business, Basically Brittany, to busy herself after her mom died in 2016.
“I practiced and just immersed myself in it,” she said.
Recently she’s been immersed in icing.
“Fifty pounds,” she said, referring to how much she made. “Fifty. Pounds.”
It’s not for one cake, but more than 60.
She made it all for her first Cake and Sip event.
The event lets folks like Amber Boose try their hands at cake decorating.
“I feel like I’m at an even playing ground,” said Boose. “None of us really know how to decorate, so I’m excited to win” — and have wine at the same time.
“It’s gonna help the creative juices flow a little bit,” said Symphony McCaulley.
Hager coached everyone through the process.
“This is a lot harder than I thought, yes,” said Lani Stafford. “Mixing the colors and everything took some strength.”
Not everyone’s a natural decorator.
“I’m gonna redo this whole cake until it’s perfect,” said Leon Howard.
While others took to the cakes more smoothly.
“I was acting scared at first, but it smooths out better when you put a little bit of pressure on it,” said McCaulley.
Meanwhile, Boose got an assist from her sister.
“There’s no shame in asking for help,” she said.
Based on her cake’s progress, decided to call off the competition at her family’s table.
“The creativity, I think, is finally coming out,” she said. “That was a struggle.”
Hager was proud to see everyone’s edible works of art.
“I’m really happy,” she said. “I’m really stoked for what’s to come.”
As she looks forward to serving up her next event, hoping to have Cake and Sips at least twice a month in the future.
For more information, visit @clebasicallybrittany on Instagram.
