Tracie's creations at The Two Dames Coffee Boutique.

Welcoming a new addition can be so delicious!

2011-03-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

Christening cakes are now so ornate and creative. We are really spoilt for choice. Nothing is basic and plain as we are becoming harder to please. We are exposed to images all day everyday and as a result we want for more. And what a better example of this- food and cakes. I eat with my eyes, I always have. But my biggest necessity is that it must taste as good as it looks. Otherwise the visual will be lost and the only memory is how awful that mouthful was. Sooooooo because of my high standards, my cakes have to be fabulous so the visual can match the rest of your senses.

Cakes are a great way to get a party going. You can have so much fun with flavours, colours, shapes and they can suit any occasion.
Christening cakes need to have the 'Awwwww' factor. So something cute and delicious will usually pull in the sound effects. I always find that people are reluctant to cut their cakes and the cameras are at the ready. That is possibly the best reaction I can aim for everytime I make a cake. If my customers are happy then I am over the moon. My hard work and their hard earned money need to be worthwhile investments.
I sometimes get texts off my happy customers, to thank me and tell me how much they loved their cake. That costs very little to do and I can promiose you it means the world to me. I love people who love cake and I love even more people who love my cakes:-)

Four tiers of heaven!

2011-03-15T06:16:00.000-07:00

Who said wedding cakes have to keep with tradition? Hmmmmm I try to break that with each cake I make. Every couple want to tweek and improve on an idea they have seen before or create something that is a mix of many different ideas. For chocolate lovers especially it is nearly disgraceful to cover a cake in traditional white/ivory icing. Why on earth would you cover a melt-in-the-mouth chocolate wedding cake and disguise its rich and heavenly chocolatey goodness!

The Wedding Fair extravaganza.

2011-03-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

I feel very lucky as I get invited to attend wedding fairs every year. I produce some cakes and try to sell myself to the soon to-be brides and grooms. So this year I decided to make cakes that I liked. I wanted to indulge myself and show how different a wedding cake can be. I think I proved that. A wedding cake for some is tradition, a must-have and for others it is an expression of their creative side. I love when wedding cakes are fun, different and well thought out. It costs alot of money as wedding cakes are alot of hard work. So much time and effort goes into each cake. But the main aim is to produce what the couple want and wow their taste buds with fabulous high-quality cake.

The Wheels on the bus go..........

2011-03-15T05:10:00.000-07:00

Round and round .

This cake was alot of fun to do. To be honest every cake I get to do I enjoy making. The reason being no 2 cakes are the same. Variety is the spice of life. This cake was for a lovely gentleman. His daughter wanted to mark his retirement with a cake that was a symbol of what he was leaving behind. The cake was so good they donated it to The Irish Wheelchair Association so they could enjoy it on his behalf.

Eadaoin & Daniels fab Wedding Day and Cake.

2010-07-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

The Cupcake Tea Party Wedding Cake.

This cake was a pleasure. I met Daniel and Eadaoin one day in my coffee shop. They had lots of ideas regarding their wedding cake. I love when people know what they want, it means they have given time to their decision, and this means I don't have to read their minds. Eadaoin is a keen blogger with a fantastic eye for all things fabulous, cupcakes, china teacups and fab cake stands and so much more. So when she pitched her idea to me I was delighted to be able to make it. Eadaoin provided the tea cups and half of the cake stands and The Two Dames provided the remainder. So togeather we created this fantastic Cupcake Tea Party Wedding Cake.

For more pics follow us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kilkenny-Ireland/The-Two-Dames-Coffee-Boutique/108809881054

Cupcake frenzy...

2010-03-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

30 is the new 20 and 40 is the new 30..........

Cupcakes can be made to suit every occasion. The fresh flowers bring this cupcake creation alive. It was created for two fantastic ladies who were holding a joint 30th birthday bash. One of the ladies was in complete denial so we put '21' on her cake!!! They chose the colours to match their outfits which I loved, it helped to seperate each girl while also creating a fantastic masterpeice. Once the cutomer is happy I know I have fulfilled their specifications, win win situation. We eat with our eyes as well as our tummies so food should always look as good as it tastes, this certainly did.

Chocolate Biscuit cake with a difference! AKA Aislings Chocolate Biscuit Cake

2010-02-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

The Two Dames Chocolate Biscuit Cake has been a family recipe for as long as I can remember. It is one of our bese-sellers in our coffee shop. The decoration on this cake was designed especially for Aisling. She rang me one day with an idea of a cake, chocolate biscuit cake with a sweet twist, and this is what we created. It is lovely when any of my customers come to me with an idea because I tend to run away with it and go wild. Every cake i make is always different, It is wonderful to have such imaginative customers and customers who are brave enough to give me complete control. I love to get carried away. I have told Aisling that I was naming this particular cake after her, it is unique to her now. It also tastes as good as it looks.

We eat with our eyes!

2010-01-29T03:08:00.000-08:00

The Two Dames are always trying to keep the customers interested because without our customers we would cease to exist. With that knowledge we always try to keep them interested and satisfied. Creativity is my passion and i love to eat with my eyes. It is very important to remember that the food must always taste as good as it looks. So seasoning at the start of homemade soup is crucial, the correct balance of ingredients in our homemade dressing is also very important, our breads, our cakes , our sandwiches, our quiches and everything else we create. Flavour, taste and appeance are what set The Two Dames out from the rest.

2010-01-25T01:55:00.000-08:00

It is a new year and The Two Dames are very proud to start 2010 off with there first Bridgestone Award which will be mounted today. We have spent the last 3yrs working hard trying to please the public and enjoying every minute, so far so good. With Marta as our right-hand woman we are very lucky to maintain a high standard. To finish 2009 we commissioned a piece of art work that would depict The Two Dames in colour rather than words and luckily for us a friend/ great customer Johnny created this wonderful sign.

Wedding Cupcakes

2009-08-21T00:39:00.000-07:00

CUPCAKE MANIA HAS HIT KILKENNY

The Cupcake craze is alive and well. It is so versatile it is insane. The style, colour and finish can suit your every need. It also makes for a great gift idea for your guests. This 7tier Cupcake stand makes for a great wow factor on your wedding day. I ordered it in especially to cater for the cupcake wedding cake. 6tiers of cupcakes with a traditional cake if desired on top, so keeping in tradition with the old and the new. The stand costs nothing to hire, a deposit is taken and fully refunded on return of stand once your wedding cake order is placed with us.

2009-07-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

Simple Elegance

This cake was an interesting one. It was baked by the Brides aunty but they needed someone to ice it. This is not something i do but it was a favour. I only ice my own cakes, i steer away from finishing a job but always in life allowances need to be made. The specifications were beautiful, the colour cream. Thankfully i had ordered in these wonderful cream roses from Cooks Haven the week previous for another order i was working on so i had enough for this cake. As with everything it came together itself.

2009-07-03T04:47:00.000-07:00

The Cupcake Wedding Cake

Seven Tiers of pure indulgence! This wedding cake was alot of fun to bake, decorate and put together. The Bride was lovely and relaxed, she had a colour theme and that was all the specifications i needed. Vanilla vanilla cupcakes topped with delicate pink roses and individually wrapped with ribbons. Pink, purple and cream were the 3colours i had to incorporate into this spectacular creation. I also created some mini cupcakes in pink cases just to add a little extra to the overall look. The top tier was a white chocolate mud cake with a white chocolate frosting and traditional with icing. What a cake!

2009-06-04T05:21:00.000-07:00

THE GIANT CUPCAKE

24 Cupcakes in one cake!

This giant cupcake is a fantastic birthday cake alternative. It is huge, and absolutley dangerously divine. I can make it in every flavour and can be decorated in so many fun ways.

2009-06-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

CARROT CAKE

Carrot cake cupcakes, moist nutty and absolutely delicious with a cream cheese frosting.

These cupcakes go down an absolute treat, not only are they fab to look at, they actually taste fantastic, if i do say so myself.

2009-05-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

CUPCAKES CUPCAKES CUPCAKES CUPCAKES CUPCAKES CUPCAKES AND MORE CUPCAKES

The most versatile and amazing little cake in the world- THE CUPCAKE.

We celebrate cupcakes EVERY SATURDAY at The Two Dames in Kilkenny.

I love making these truly devine and mouth watering Cupcakes because they are so versatile. They can be decorated for any and every occasion. I made 'L' plate cupcakes for my now sister-in-law for her hen night, a little treat and gift for all the ladies to take home. I made Bunny rabbits for Easter, i made black and amber cupcakes last year for Kilkenny during The All-Ireland Hurling Championships, which we won! My imagination is endless, who knows what i will have on this weeks cupcakes! I make them for weddings, i have a new 7tier wedding cupcake stand, now that is serious hard work but the end results are amazing, there is so much you can do especially if working on a large budget! Cupcakes are for everyone and make a fantastic gift and treat for family and friends.

2009-05-14T04:30:00.000-07:00

Light, Fresh, Gluten-free and fantastic for sharing.

The Amazing Roulade. It is so versatile and works fantastic at a dinner party. After a heavy meal this is the best dessert. It is so light and the fresh fruits are packed with flavour that you feel good even if you return for seconds!

2009-05-14T04:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to us!

We couldnt possibly celebrate turning two on our own so i decided to dedicate our cake of the day to the special occasion, I have more fun baking and decorating these cakes, i find it hard to cut them. It had to be a pink and red combo, two of my favourite colours, i just hope my customers enjoyed eating it as much as i did making it!

2009-05-14T04:07:00.000-07:00

CHRISTENING CAKE OF AN ANGEL

My Nieces Christening cake took a long time to prepare, crystalised handmade rose petals, all the decorations came from an american company courtesy of my friend who runs an amazing kitchenware store, 'Cooks Haven' Kieran Street Kilkenny. There are baby pegs, baby talk love heart sweets, a sleeping baby, a rocking horse and 3tiers of delicious vanilla fudge.
The Angel herself, Keeva. She is eager to take after her aunty in the kitchen as Junior Chef!

2009-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

2009-03-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

VANILLA FUDGE CAKE
Where to start on this cake , too good to cut but too good not to cut!!! It's a dilemma. Vanilla fudge cake is terrific for every occasion, it stays fresh for 3/4 days, it freezes well, it is an absolute winner.

2009-03-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

THE WHITE CHOCOLATE WEDDING CAKE

This wedding cake i made for a family friend, it was serious work but worth it. Chocolate biscuit cake wrapped in the smoothest white chocolate, drippping in the tastiest strawberries dipped in white chocolate. Three tiers of chocolate biscuit, each one covered in a dark chocoate ganache, then coated 3times in white chocolate. Pure indulgence, every chocolate lovers wildest dream.

2009-03-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

WICKED CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE.
This is truly death by chocolate. It is insanely intense, an absolute treat at any time of the day or night. Depending on your mood it will fulfill any want!

2009-03-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

PISTACHIO, ROSEWATER, & LIME CAKE with fresh berries.

This cake i made especially for my mam on mothers day.

It is made using irish natural yogurt and has a sweet lime crust. So light, perfect after a Sunday Lunch. I served it with natural yogurt and honey.

2009-03-26T05:08:00.000-07:00

ST. PATRICKS DAY CUPCAKES, green, white and gold dust.

St. Patricks Day Cupcakes, green, white and gold dust. These cupcakes rocked, i love themeing my cupcakes, it makes it all very exciting, next is Easter, i may put my thinking cap on now! These were so much to fun to make, it took a full week of racking my brains how to create my paddys day cupcakes, on the last hour it dawned on me, and these are the delicious finished product.

2009-03-26T04:59:00.000-07:00

IT IS THE MOST AMAZING BIRTHDAY CAKE, GIRLIE AND CHOCOLATE. DIVINE

This cake was so much fun to bake, the ideas for the cake kept flowing. It was my friends 30th birthday so instead of buying her a gift i said i would bake her a cake instead. It was a 2tier chocolate fudge cake, i didnt want to make one large cake so thats why i chose to make two smaller cakes in a tiered effect. The pink roses just set it off and brought it all together. It was girlie and CHOCOLATE, fantastic combination. I love making cakes for friends but i tend to get very shy about it too.

2009-03-26T04:25:00.000-07:00

IT'S RAINING IT'S POURING!!!

I woke up one typical Irish morning to find it was raining, again! Ha you have to love our weather so i thought i would make a cake to celebrate the rain. It was actually alot of fun because i knew the customers would get a kick out of it. It went down an absolute treat. It is my mothers recipe that is a massive hit in the shop. Divine Vanilla fudge cake.

2009-03-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

CUPCAKE MANIA AT THE TWO DAMES

Cupcakes are the best gift idea no matter what the occasion.My Brother-in-law turned a youthful 39 so i put together cupcakes to mark the occasion. They are so tasty, so rich and a pure indulgence. They are topped with rich vanilla fudge frosting, equal amounts of cake to frosting, a pure energy rush.

2009-03-26T03:46:00.000-07:00

BARACK OBAMA APPRECIATION AT THE TWO DAMES

When Barack Obama was elected as President in the US i decided i had to create cupocakes for the very special occasion. I wasnt sure how best to put together a tribute but before i knew it this image of stripes and stars came to me. Whatever the occasion i try to mark it every Cupcake Saturday in The Two Dames Coffee Boutique. They were vanilla cupcakes with canilla frosting, delicious!

The alternative to "The Birthday Cake"

2008-11-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

My friend was another year younger!!!!! So i decided bright pink cupcakes was the best and tastiest option for her Birthday Cake. It cuts out on plates and mess, you can unravel the cupcake from the cases that i cut out individually and use that as your plate, great on the go, easy to eat if standing and amazing to look at. These are definitely the most versatile item on my menu. Can be created in every colour in the rainbow and the choice of toppings are endless, very seasonal and can adapt to suit all occasions - weddings, engagement parties, christenings, holidays, birthdays, going- away party..............................................
The edible pink glitter i bought when i was in New York, so it only comes out for special occasions.

Twins Birthday Cake.

2008-11-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

This birthday cake was alot of fun to make. The sweets on the cake are especially for childrens cakes, i got them from a supplier in America. I have used them on 2 Christening cakes and now this birthday cake for one year old twins. Each love heart sweet has a different note printed on each- rock a bye, lil angel, sweet dreams, baby face, new mom....................
It is a vanilla fudge cake which gets more delicious with age, always tastes better on the second day!

What is hot today? Devils Chocolate Food Cake with a Marshmallow and Coconut Frosting

2008-10-03T01:29:00.001-07:00

This cake is an absolute luxury. The richness of the chocolate cake alongside the gooooiness of the frosting, it is two wild textures that create this insanely rich piece of heaven. The frosting is identical to the centre of a Caffreys Snowball, a blast from most of our childhoods. It cannot be gotten anywhere else i know of, like all of my cakes, i home bake every single thing on my menu, i cannot abide by mass produced flavourless cakes and treats.

Gluten-free Treats, not for the faint-hearted!

2008-10-02T02:54:00.000-07:00

Gluten-free products does not automatically mean it will be lacking in flavour or texture. In the Two Dames you will find outstanding Gluten-free treats, from wonderful fudge - Vanilla, Treacle, Fruit and Nut flavour, and also chocolate Macaroons and scrumptious Greek and Italian Almond biscuits. These treats are something small to enjoy with a velvet Latte or a delicious Black Forest Herbal Tea. Life is about choices, we offer never ending choices at the Two Dames, we like to keep our customers happy and intrigued.

Edible Window Displays

2008-10-02T02:44:00.000-07:00

We take alot of pride in our window displays. Our main aim is to make it as edible as possible. The super-sized Cappacino and Hot Chocolate with marshmallows certainly make passer-bys mouth water, not to mention the ceramic cupcakes that are overflowing with dollymixture sweets. We all eat with our eyes but we try and take it one step further by ensuring our food truly tastes as good if not better than it looks.

Cappuccino & Scones Anyone???

2008-08-03T01:27:00.000-07:00

Delicious Homemade Scones baked daily, lovely fresh scones that are guaranteed to set you up for the day. Each day brings a different flavour, we like to keep our customers happy and also intrigued. Complimented with a generous sized Cappuccino, or any speciality coffee of your choice.

Cupcakes, Cupcakes, Cupcakes Saturday

2008-07-31T04:20:00.000-07:00

Only on a Saturday can you find the most amazing all-american Cupcakes in the Two Dames Coffee Boutique. We are situated in the heart of Kilkenny City, at 80 John Street. Made to order for every occasion, birthday, anniversary, bridal showers, baby showers, whatever the occasion, these cup-cakes capture the essence of America, sweet, delicate and rich.

Gluten-free, Fresh Strawberry and cream sponge, absolutely mouthwatering

2008-07-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

This gluten-free cake is one of my favourites, so light, so fresh and simply delicious. We do our very best to cater for all dietery requirements. This cake has been tried and tested and all comments have been so positive, it is another winner.

Party in the Garden!

2008-07-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

On an incredible Sunday afternoon we jumped at the chance to put on a photoshoot in our family garden. We wanted to bring "The Two Dames" into the garden and show the world what we are about- simple, delicious colourful and fun. Attention to detail is a must, and hopefully it is brought through in this picture.

2008-07-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Coffee Heaven !!!

2008-07-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

Delicious melt in your mouth Coffee and Walnut Cake. It is sensational served at room temperature, it brings out the richness of the cake. Best served with a freshly ground coffee. We serve a fantastic bean from Italy. Freshly ground to order. We offer all types of specialitiy coffees, we offer 3types of milk, low-fat, skimmed, soya, all requirements catered for.

Light and rich rolled into one cake!

2008-07-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

Chocolate overload, wickedly devine!

2008-07-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

Birthday Cakes- Pretty in pink!

2008-07-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

Some of the wonderful treats to be found at The Two Dames

2008-07-28T05:05:00.001-07:00

Tracie(R) & Lavinia Daly(L) "The Two Dames"

2008-07-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome

2008-07-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hi this is our first blog about our boutique cafe. With an emphasis on home-baked, delicious food served fresh every day.