Baking Journey: One John Deere Loving Boy Birthday Request

If there ever was a fella who loved John Deere more, I don't know who that could be. This young man has lived, breathed and admired John Deere tractors and equipment ever since he could toddle up and say "tractor". Most every make, model and their uses have been brought up in nearly daily conversations. It doesn't help that his uncle owns a large equipment repair shop or that he lives surrounded by fields that get plowed on a regular basis! "He" is one of our three grandsons. And he is posing in front of his cake at the park.

But as with all things cake, it didn't start out this way. If you want to take a walk with me, I'll share this cake "journey" with you. Or you can just keep me company. Come on.....

Here is my journey to make a wish come true...

"MiMi...if it's not too much trouble, could you make me a cake with a tractor?" "Sure" "And could you make the tractor in a field?" "I think so" "And could you use Oreo's for the wheels?" "Uh Huh" And if it's not too much trouble could you make some pigs?" "I will do my best" "And....." "Jackson! That's enough! (his momma)" "oh...ok....that's cool"

So we first worked on the tractor. Obviously, I began work before I did my current research on actual tractors.

Rice Krispie Treats

I do not know who decided to package these homemade jewels, but it was a brilliant idea!

They cut, they mold, they shape, they are not heavy...and fondant covers them well!

Shape the tractor and cover with green-colored fondant, smooth and whala!

I did not use the big Oreos. Because I was in the store and saw these marshmallow pinwheels (picture above) and almost skidded to a stop. "Tires!" So, a bag of "tires" came home with me. But I did get mini's and regular oreos as well....Spare tires?

AND THEN I

Made my first pig and fell in love...

Just could not stop until I had 3 little piggies.

Complete with curly tails and piggy snouts.

Every farm has dirt and every tractor has to plow, don't they?

This one might have a little mud, but that's just going to be ok!
The plow discs are Murray Sugar Free Mini Cookies.
The rest of the plow is a hardened strip of fondant painted green with food gel and water and a little floral wire. It will have to be assembled upon arrival....if the hail storm doesn't make its appearance....(All the rain held off until they had played and ate.)
Thank you Lord for your mercy!