Cake Decorating Basics: Techniques and Tips for Creating Beautiful Cakes

219 Pages·2007·7.01 MB·English

by  Brown

cake decorating basics
Cake decorating is a skill that anyone can master with a little guidance. In this
fact-packed reference book, Rachel Brown takes the reader back to basics and
proves at the same time that cake decorating really can be fun.
The book provides answers to the fundamental questions that beginners often
ask, such as: how do you use a frame; how do you level off a domed cake; how
do you work with more than one packet of sugarpaste; how do you cut a dowel
and how do you get a modelled figure to sit?
Starting with lining tins of different shapes and finishing with making perfect
wedding cakes, there is also detailed information on covering cakes with
marzipan and sugarpaste, adding ribbons, simple piping with royal icing,
creating special effects with sugarpaste and basic modelling. Rachel even
provides her tried-andtested sponge and fruit cake recipes, with gluten-, egg-,
sugar-and dairy-free versions for those with specific dietary requirements.
Each chapter is liberally illustrated with step-bystep colour photographs and
peppered with hints and tips from Rachel’s rich experience. Here, in one
indispensable book, is all the information you will ever need to make and
decorate the perfect cake.
CAKE
Decorating
BASICS

Reprinted in 2011
Published in 2007 by
New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd
London • Cape Town • Sydney • Auckland
www.newhollandpublishers.com
Garfield House, 86–88 Edgware Road, London W2 2EA, United Kingdom 80
McKenzie Street, Cape Town 8001, South Africa Unit 1, 66 Gibbes Street,
Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia 218 Lake Road, Northcote, Auckland, New
Zealand Copyright © 2007 text: Rachel Brown
Copyright © 2007 photographs and illustrations: New Holland Publishers (UK)
Ltd Copyright © 2007 New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd All rights reserved. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers
and copyright holders.
ISBN 978 1 84537 518 8
EDITOR: Anne Konopelski EDITORIAL DIRECTION: Rosemary Wilkinson DESIGN:
Casebourne Rose Design Associates PHOTOGRAPHY: Shona Wood ARTWORK:
Carrie Hill and Sue Rose PRODUCTION: Hazel Kirkman 10 9 8 7 6
Reproduction by Pica Digital Ltd, Singapore Printed and bound by Times Offset,
Malaysia
Disclaimer
The author and publishers have made every effort to ensure that all instructions
given in this book are safe and accurate, but they cannot accept liability for any
resulting injury or loss or damage to either property or person, whether direct or
consequential or however arising.
CONTENTS
Introduction
BAKING BASICS
Equipment
Types of Tins (Pans)
Lining Tins (Pans)
Lining Frames
Lining Novelty Tins (Pans)
Before Baking the Cake
Special Dietary Needs
THE CAKE ITSELF
Fruit Cake
Sponge Cake
PERFECT CAKE COVERINGS
Working with Marzipan
Working with Sugarpaste (Rolled Fondant or Ready to Roll Icing)
SIMPLE DECORATING TECHNIQUES
Ribbons
Sausage Edges
Texture
Twisted Edges
Stippling
Embossing
Crimping
Cut-Outs
Inserts
Quilling
Painting
ADVANCED DECORATING TECHNIQUES
Frills
Piping
Special Effects
Modelling
EASY TIERED WEDDING CAKES
Tiered Wedding Cakes
Using a Cake Stand
Using Pillars
Using a Separator
Making Stacked Cakes
THE ESSENTIALS
Storage and Transportation
Cutting Cakes
Portion Guide
Recipes
Index

INTRODUCTION
D
ecorating a cake — whether it is a child’s party cake or a sugarcraft
masterpiece — is a skill anyone can master with a little practice. It
really is fun, and all you need to do is learn a few of the basics.
Throughout my many years in the cake-decorating business, I have often
been asked to write down my experiences. That is exactly what I have done
here — and believe me; I have included all of my secrets! This book takes
you back to the beginning. It covers essential equipment, methods for lining
tins (pans), delicious cake recipes (including several that are suitable for
people with food allergies and intolerances) and step-by-step instructions
for decorating your cakes in dozens of different ways.
Each chapter includes invaluable hints, plus all of the information you need
to successfully make and decorate a cake for a special occasion. Enjoy the
book and happy cake decorating.