200 Tips for Cake Decorating

Book excerpt: An indispensable compendium of essential knowledge and troubleshooting tips. Tapping into the hottest (and most persistent) trend in the craft cooking market, this book is crammed with information on the art and craft of using fondant. Today, a tastefully decorated cake is expected for birthday parties, weddings and any important celebration. A simple iced cake without a handmade fondant character or flowers is downright dull, no matter how good it may taste. 200 Tips for Cake Decorating shows why fondant is so popular. Its smooth surface, vivid colors and moldable texture allow bakers to roll it, cut it, model it and color it. With basic skills and minimal equipment, bakers can create entertaining toppers for cakes and cupcakes. The book includes make: Fondant Basics -- A beginner's kit, improvising tools, fondant recipes; coloring, flavoring and storing fondant, transporting cakes Covering Cakes and Boards -- Sponge cake and fruitcake; slicing, filling and covering with buttercream; rolling out fondant; stacking cakes, covering cake boards, using supports, ribbons Decorative Techniques -- Tools and molds; painting, frills and fancies; models, cutters and crimpers; piping, lacework, dots, broderie anglaise, writing Modeling -- Making figures, personalizing characters, making animals and flowers, recipes. "Try It" panels encourage bakers to use their own creativity when making decorations and models using simple, innovative techniques. "Fix It" panels show how to solve problems, improvise and avoid disasters. What makes this book extra special is that almost all of the techniques and designs are achievable without having to buy special equipment. Beginners can start with what they have in their kitchen and add tools as they progress, making this a practical guide for all cake decorators.