Pattycake Shoppe
As much a way of life
as a way of making a living
By Ann Hauprich ©2009
Those who claim you can’t have your cake and eat it, too, have likely not yet
visited The Patty-Cake Shoppe on Brookline Road in Ballston Spa, New York, where
couples planning receptions are cordially invited to indulge in complimentary
samples before finalizing their orders.
The beautifully boxed samples are but one reason why proprietor Patty Rutland
“takes the cake” (in the finest sense of the word!) when it comes to serving
area clients – scores of whom have had wedding cake designs named in their
honor.
Each edible work of art is carefully preserved on film prior to delivery so that
its intricate decorative details can be visually savored by showroom visitors
long after the actual culinary masterpiece has been enjoyed by wedding guests.
Delectable labors of love from Patty’s kitchen come in for main flavors:
chocolate cake with chocolate Godiva liqueur filling; white cake with raspberry
Chambord filling; lemon cake with lemon filling; and yellow cake with
non-alcoholic raspberry filling.
“Wedding cakes have been a tradition for thousands of years and it means so much
to know that those I make for newlyweds today will be part of their fondest
memories – hopefully for decades to come,” smiles Patty. Although a quarter of a
century has passed since the talented entrepreneur started designing, baking,
sculpting and decorating multi-tiered cakes, she still blushes like … well, like
bride … when complimented on her extraordinary confectionery craftsmanship.

“What I love most about the work I do is that I am immersed in an atmosphere of
love, celebration and hope. At the time I meet couples, they radiate such
promise and bliss, you just find yourself rooting for them to live happily ever
after. Mine is a joyful clientele. Working with them renews my own faith and
hope in the human race,” beams Patty, who has been known to pick flowers from
her country garden so she could more authentically duplicate their blossoms and
leaves with gum paste and food coloring.
Her quest for perfection has been rewarded with ribbons and trophies, but the
mother of two insists the sweetest thanks of all can be found in the cards and
letters she receives from satisfied clients. In addition to her bridal clients,
word-of-mouth referrals have landed her culinary contracts from the offices of
NYS Governor George Pataki and his predecessor Mario Cuomo. One of Patty’s cakes
was also featured on a cover of an international trade publication.
Speaking of things international, Patty -- who is also a nurse -- will be sworn
in as her community's Rotary Club president in June 2005. This leadership role
will be the icing on the cake of her nearly two decades of “Service Above Self”
as a Rotarian.