Hi!

[melissaks]

Hello everyone! I'm Melissa...I found this site by happy accident looking for advice on airbrushing decorated cakes. I have been decorating cakes for friends and family for 16 years exactly now, since my oldest son's first b-day (he's 17 today and boy do I feel old!). I also recently started dabbling in candy making with some success making chocolate covered caramels and strawberries. I'm currently a nursing student, and once I graduate, I'm going to let nursing be the funding source to stay in school to get a degree in pastry arts. I need a lot more advice and practice, and I'm looking forward to spending some time going through all these posts. I should also say this is my first time joining a forum, so it may take me a few tries to get the hang of posting, responding, etc.

~Melissa~

[Mezzaluna]

Hi Melissa! I'm happy to be here to welcome you just as you posted your first message. You'll find plenty of information here and lots of helpful people who can help you learn and discover more about sugar, pastry and baking.

(I have to add here that I took about 5 pounds of baked goods to the hospital floor where I recently got care for pneumonia. Judging from the ravenous looks I got at the nursing station, I'm sure your co-workers will help you eat your mistakes as well as your triumphs. )

Have a good look around the site and don't miss the goodies like blogs, photo gallery, articles, etc. You won't be sorry you found this place, unless it takes you away from studying for the physiology final.

Welcome!
Mezzaluna

[melissaks]

I have not had a single complaint yet!! Those of us in healthcare LOVE to eat , especially the night crew (of which I am a part of).

[michmom]

As a nurse, I can tell you that cooking/baking are not only WONDERFUL ways to use creative energy, but also are great stress relievers- - and nursing does serve as a terrific way to fund many life enhancing things - while touching others' lives! All the best to you, and welcome to ChefTalk. I've only been a member for a little while, and have found it very useful.