Love the idea of a cake inspired by nature? You’ll love The Goose Chase Cake Design, based in the Mad River Valley. Sarah, the owner and pastry chef, graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in 2009. Since then, she’s worked as a pastry chef for farm to table restaurants, high end catering companies and top bakeries in Vermont, San Francisco and New York City.
After traveling around, Sarah landed back in the Mad River Valley, where she grew up. Now, she draws on inspiration from the beauty of the area for each of her wedding cake designs! Read on to learn more about Sarah.
How did you get into wedding baking?
Since culinary school I have always gravitated towards decorating cakes. I love the mix between being a baker and an artist. Wedding cakes are the ultimate mix, and I find the challenge of making tiered cakes exhilarating. I also love to use my culinary skills to create fun and diverse dessert tables.
How would you describe your style?
Simple and elegant. I prefer to work with buttercream to create crisp and sharp lined cakes. I love adding pops of color and fresh flowers to my cakes for a little sparkle.
What inspires your work?
Most of my inspiration comes from nature. I often design cakes with the idea of arranging fresh flowers on them or having them displayed in an outdoor setting. As a born-and-raised Vermonter, I also try to work as much of Vermont into my flavors. My family-produced maple syrup and berries picked from my backyard are just some of the inspirations I bake into each cake and dessert.
Any special tips for couples for choosing / working with a wedding baker?
Feeling comfortable with anyone you’re working with and who fits with your style is important. I recommend looking through photo galleries on their website or Instagram to get a good sense of what they are all about. I am always excited to work with a couple when they come to one of my tastings and we end up laughing and chatting through the whole thing!
What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?
Eating the cake obviously! And getting out on the dance floor!
What’s your favorite thing to do in VT? / Local spot to visit? Etc.
I really enjoy being outside. Whether it’s hiking with my pups, lounging next to the river, or cross country skiing. Two of my go-to’s are hiking up Sunset Rock in Warren and wandering around Shelburne Farms (I used to be the pastry chef there and it has to be one of my favorite places in the world).
If you weren’t a wedding baker, what would you do?
I have no idea! I have been baking since I could remember, but potentially a flower farmer. I have started to grow more and more flowers in my garden the last couple years, mostly to use on cakes, and I find it to be so fun.
What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I have two crazy dogs named Goose and Chase (yes, that is where the name of my business came from!). They are Cattle/Shepherd/Husky mixes and they keep me constantly running around!
Thank you, Sarah! Learn more about The Goose Chase Cake Design in the vendor guide.
