Log Cabin

I recently made a cake in the shape of a log cabin. The customer gave me a small ornament (which is actually a model of their real log cabin) to work from. I experimented with some new techniques, which ended up working quite well. To make the logs I spread a thin layer of white chocolate onto a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Once it was set I spread dark chocolate on top. I then proceeded to mix a variety of chocolate earth tones and drizzled these across the chocolate. Using a paring knife I traced irregular lines across the chocolate, not only to blend the earth tones, but to add a bit of texture to the chocolate as it began to set. Before it fully set, I cut the chocolate into 3/4-inch slats. The rocks were made from a variety of tinted chocolates. Once the rock forms were set I painted contrasting chocolates on top to give them a worn and weathered look. They were set into a tinted buttercream "morter".