Friday, June 5, 2009

Cake Decorating Ideas

Are you aware that the first cakes ever baked in the US were small loaves of sweet bread? Obviously, we have made a giant leap from those days where baking cakes are concerned. This should delight any home bakers as there is so many to choose from. BTW, I found a site about decorared cakes in Spanish: Tartas decoradas. The good news is you do not need to be a pastry chef to be able to make great cakes. Invest in a good set of cake decorating tools; they are worthwhile investments.

It all starts with a smooth icing, which you can apply as soon as your cakes are cool. It is a good idea to start your cake decorating with a thin layer of frost, enough to cover all crumbs from ever getting into the regular layer of your icing. Once this coat is on, set the cake in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This will set all crumbs, locked in nicely and ready for the next step. Now you can spread a regular layer of icing without worrying about crumbs ruining your creation.

You may now apply the icing layer using an icing spatula Once you have enough icing on the cake, start smoothing the sides with the spatula all around the perimeter of the cake. One little secret you can use is, dip the spatula in cold water before you start smoothing them, it makes the job much easier. Hold the spatula horizontally over the top; it helps to smooth the surface of the cake. Start at the point farthest from you, holding the spatula in both hands; skim the top of the icing by bringing the spatula straight toward you.

Avoid the Complicated - Keep it Simple

Smoothing icing may be the hardest part, according to some cake decorating professionals. Practice will make you a professional in no time all. Do not be bashful about showing off your work once you get to right, it is a milestone in your cake decoration.

Try using sugar powder dusted across the top for a change; a good idea if you are not comfortable icing. If you prefer, you can use a stencil to achieve a more decorated appearance, or just powdered sugar for a clean look. It is absolutely cool to use an edible cake decorating material. To really make your cake stand out from the crowd, use colorful candies, nuts and other fun stuff where applicable.

Sometimes it is cool to use cardboard combs to create the textured look people love. Piping can be created with a pastry a, fit a metal end to the tip and hold it together with a coupler. This is your most important tool for cake decorating; you can make lines, words, shells, flowers, and many other designs on the top or sides of the cake. Start decorating your cake by using a steady pressure and do not fill the piping bag with more than one cup of icing. Use your hands to move the tip to the exact location, be careful not to smudge the rest of the decoration. Be adventurous and learn the new piping methods.

For complicated cake decorating creations, fondant is used. They are kneaded and roiled to be placed over the cake for that expensive, classy look. Used to created 3-D design, they are exceptionally elegant.


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Edna Morinda

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