Sandy Hargrave
New Book Release
The Real Stories Behind The Pretty Cakes
Go behind the scenes of a high-end custom cake business in Aspen, CO., where the cakes are big, the clients are bigger, and the daily grind is filled with situations oh so very sticky.
Sandy Hargrave
Sandy Hargrave, also known as the cake decorator for the “rich and famous,” owned and operated Classic Cakes of Aspen, Inc., in Aspen, CO. for 20+ years. Sandy was known for designing exquisite “Edible Art for Unforgettable Memories” using a variety of techniques, including her signature style, White Chocolate Draping. She developed a national, as well as, an international clientele, and her cakes have been featured as the focal point for a vast array of gatherings, from simple to “over-the-top” celebrity events, for presidents and foreign dignitaries from around the world.
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Sandy, who holds the Certified Master Sugar Artist distinction, traveled for over 25 years nationally and internationally, judging cake competitions, teaching technique, product design and business building. Sandy taught a variety of Sugar Art classes, from 3-D Cupcakes to Elegant Wedding Cakes. Her students were all ages and levels, from novice to seasoned professional. She taught at many I.C.E.S. events, the Wilton School of Cake Decorating in Chicago, the Art Institute of Denver, cake clubs and bakeries across the country and in Europe. She was renowned for being the world’s top authority on White Chocolate Draping and published two cake decorating books: White Chocolate Draping and Groom’s Cakes. Her creations have been featured in the following print publications: Denver Post, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Confetti, Modern Bride, InStyle, Aspen Sojourner, Food and Wine, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Colorado Brides, American Cake Decorating, Australian Sugar Craft, Wild Blue Yonder, Edible Aspen, and Aspen Peak magazines. In addition to the print media coverage, Sandy, along with her partner, Nan Cutler, were participants on the Food Network Mystery Cake Challenge.​
Sandy is now retired from the busy cake industry, but her passion for cakes is stronger than ever. She travels frequently and loves to visit cake shops, patisseries, or any store with a cake in the window. Her new blog, Get Whisked Away, features many of these popular and unique shops, with exclusive videos and recipes from around the world that you won’t want to miss.
The Real Stories Behind The Pretty Cakes
To name a few, Sandy was honored to make cakes and desserts for: Kate Hudson, Estee Lauder Family, President Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter, Dana Cowin, Tom Bedell, Tommy Mottola, Golden Hawn, Will and Jada Smith, David Koch, Stan Kroenke, and Jimmy Buffet.
Find out why they chose Sandy to make their cakes!
“What the heck was I thinking?”
That is what Sandy Hargrave often asks herself, looking back over some of the more ostentatious designs throughout her twenty-five-year career as a cake decorator for the world’s most prestigious clients. From cakes transported on crowded airplanes, to a 3D design on the Food Network Cake Challenge, and even to a cake that traveled up a ski gondola during a blizzard, Sandy’s confections have gone on some wild rides.
Making large custom cakes is so much more than just eggs and flour. Sandy’s storied journey has involved crazy adventures, ridiculous mishaps, and countless OMG moments. The Real Stories Behind The Pretty Cakes gives a rare look behind the scenes of an international legend in the cake decorating industry. With twenty handpicked, never-before-told stories, get ready to be shocked, entertained, and enlightened about the things that sugar can do—with a little imagination, a lot of love, and just a dash of willingness to test the odds.
This is the story of a woman who went from looking in cake shop windows wondering how they did that stuff to becoming one of the top cake decorators in the world. Perfect for fans of baking shows and cake competitions, and for anyone who’s ever dreamed of the most epic wedding or birthday cake imaginable, The Real Stories Behind The Pretty Cakes is your ticket to the secret inner world of the tastiest career on the planet.
Sandy's Blog "Get Whisked Away"coming soon.
Editorial reviews for The Real Stories Behind The Pretty Cakes
“The book draws the reader in with fascinating behind-the-scenes tales of the wedding cake world and then educates us with technical knowledge gained over a long and illustrious career.”
~Ron Ben-Israel, TV Host, Master Pastry Chef, Instructor Ron Ben-Israel Cakes, New York, NY
“A fun and amusing book for all cake lovers, offering a peek behind the scenes of real events. A must read for budding designers who will find it invaluable, and experienced decorators who will enjoy the humor!”
~Colette Peters Author, Cake Designer, Artist Colette’s Cakes, Chicago, IL.
“Loved The Real Stories Behind The Pretty Cakes! Sandy perfectly captures the ups-and-downs of cake life. A fun, insightful, and relatable read for anyone in the cake world and beyond!”
~Norman R. Davis, CMSA, 2-Time Champion Food Network Cake Challenge The Sweet Life, LLC,
“This book is a thrilling read, filled with a whirlwind of wildly entertaining and outrageous, sometimes mind-blowing exploits.”
~Desiree Kelly, Cake Artist, President Denver Chapter NACE The Makery Cake Co.