View Full Version : Cake decorating?
MidwesternGal
09-16-2007, 07:54 PM
Thanks gardenmommy! I'm not so concerned about the cream cheese taste, but it's good to know I may need more in the recipe. I'll pick up an extra cube just in case!
GREAT cakes everyone!! Hula1974--what frosting recipe did you use and tip size? Thanks!
Hula1974
09-17-2007, 04:12 AM
Hula1974--what frosting recipe did you use and tip size? Thanks!
I cheated and bought the Wilton frosting in the tub. :o It was *really* sweet. A little too much. I had some problems with the star tip because it seemed my icing had warmed up and thinned out. After a night in the fridge it hardened on the cake though. But, you can see my stars are really big. I used tip 21. Also, I should note that most all of my stars look like the "don't" example on the Wilton instruction sheet. lol Thanks though!! :)
gardenmommy
09-17-2007, 10:32 AM
But, you can see my stars are really big. I used tip 21. Also, I should note that most all of my stars look like the "don't" example on the Wilton instruction sheet. lol Thanks though!! :)
I was just gonna say how great the bigger stars looked though! Great job!
1_mommy and Sue~ Great cakes!!
FoxyBlue
09-17-2007, 05:58 PM
Hula, your cake looks great! They may be a little big, but they seem to be in the right direction.
My mom did 'stars' cakes all the time (character pans), and I remember one year she must have been in a hurry because Garfield looked like he just got out of a bath!
All the stars were going in different directions :)
Anyways, your dog is too cool!
sparkle&shine
09-23-2007, 07:01 PM
Here is my newest creation. In case you can't figure it out it is supposed to be used Kitty Litter.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1366/1430616624_8b39fd2582.jpg?v=0
Janey
09-23-2007, 10:20 PM
SIL2 and I are taking the Wilton Course I in October and I am soooooo excited. :D I bought the kit with a 50% off coupon, but I am wondering if there are any tools/accessories that are good to have for Course I besides what's in the kit? I have more 40% coupons and want to use them while I've got them.
Also, if you have a cake decorating turntable, which one do you have, and do you like it? I notice that there are a few different ones at different pricing levels, and I'm wondering how much better the heavy duty ones are than the plastic ones.
Mrs. M.
09-23-2007, 10:46 PM
Kitty Litter.
Oh my! It looks so real :D
ajb524
09-25-2007, 08:01 AM
SIL2 and I are taking the Wilton Course I in October and I am soooooo excited. :D I bought the kit with a 50% off coupon, but I am wondering if there are any tools/accessories that are good to have for Course I besides what's in the kit? I have more 40% coupons and want to use them while I've got them.
Also, if you have a cake decorating turntable, which one do you have, and do you like it? I notice that there are a few different ones at different pricing levels, and I'm wondering how much better the heavy duty ones are than the plastic ones.
Hmmm, right off the top of my head, I'm know you'll want some disposable bags or a few more of the featherweight ones, merigue powder (to use for making your icing), pretty icing colors (I didn't buy the course I kit so it may have them in it), extra couplers & icing flavorings. Your teacher should also give you a list of the necessities for class.
I have the most inexpensive turntable (I think it's the trim & turn). It's worked really well for me.
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I'm attempting this cake for my FIL's birthday on Thursday.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/1437517179_952247f1c4.jpg?v=0
This is my first time working with fondant (for the sombrero). I got the bottom part of it made on Sunday along with the chili peppers. I'm going to finish up the hat tonight :). I'll be back on Friday to post pics of it.
I did make a quick football cake the other day. I did it super fast so it wasn't my best work.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1166/1408944882_cfd6cc0841.jpg?v=1190228128
Not nearly as good as all of yours but here's my attempt at a butterfly cake. I love to take a class eventually
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/LisaMatt/IMG_0979.jpg
AJB524- what kind of icing did you use?
ajb524
09-26-2007, 06:41 AM
Lisa- I like your cake. It's really cute :). I use the wilton class buttercream. It's good and easy to make.
The recipe is:
1 ts Clear vanilla extract ( use 1/2 tsp. vanilla and 1/2 tsp of butter flavoring)
2 tb Water**
1 c Shortening
1 tb Wilton Meringue Powder
1 lb Sifted powdered sugar (or 4 cups)
**This recipe makes the stiff icing. To ice the cake you need add another 2 tbs of water to make it thin.
ellidew
09-26-2007, 07:57 AM
Anyone have a cake recipe? Looking for something like pumpkin or apple cinnamon or spice cake. Needs to be stiff enough to decorate and use in stand up cake pan. Is there a way to make box cakes heavier?
ajb524
09-26-2007, 08:03 AM
Anyone have a cake recipe? Looking for something like pumpkin or apple cinnamon or spice cake. Needs to be stiff enough to decorate and use in stand up cake pan. Is there a way to make box cakes heavier?
Have you tried the cake mix doctor (http://www.amazon.com/Cake-Mix-Doctor-Anne-Byrn/dp/0761117199/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-1171495-0795857?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190815244&sr=8-2) recipe book? She add's things to box mixes to make them taste more like homemade. I'm pretty sure she has a spice cake in the book, but i'd have to look to be sure. One thing that may make the cake heavier is adding a cup of sour cream to it. Hope that helps
jennylou
09-26-2007, 08:27 AM
SIL2 and I are taking the Wilton Course I in October and I am soooooo excited. :D I bought the kit with a 50% off coupon, but I am wondering if there are any tools/accessories that are good to have for Course I besides what's in the kit? I have more 40% coupons and want to use them while I've got them.
Also, if you have a cake decorating turntable, which one do you have, and do you like it? I notice that there are a few different ones at different pricing levels, and I'm wondering how much better the heavy duty ones are than the plastic ones.
Extras that you might need (though, it probably depends upon your instructor) include: parchment paper, dye, throw away bags, a bigger spatula for icing cakes (this is preference, but you get a tiny one in the kit), you need a cake pan (my instructor liked 10 inch rounds), plus a plate that's two inches larger (at least), you might want the cake carrying case (though you don't need it), you might also need that additive for the icing - mereigne (sp) powder depending upon if it's humid where you live. You can also stock up on cake mixes, powdered sugar (in 2 pounds bags and one pound boxes). And, I think that's it.
As for the second part of your questions, I did not buy a turn table, but wished I did. Then, each week I would attempt to buy one but they didn't have any in stock on my class night - so if you can buy ahead, do! I even checked at Walmart and they didn't have any either.
ellidew
09-26-2007, 08:46 AM
I bought the turn table that looks just like a plate. Should I get the one that's more like a cake plate (elevated)? Which one is better?
Janey
09-26-2007, 10:50 AM
Thanks Jennylou - I must've missed that. :o
ellidew - America's Test Kitchen did a testing on cake turntables recently. Here's their review:
http://www.americastestkitchen.com/testing.asp?testingid=481&iSeason=7
The thing is, I can't figure out where to buy the Ateco, and even if I could, there's no way I'm spending $60 on a cake stand. There is a higher-end Wilton one that they didn't test (also $60 in the store, but 40% less with a Jo-Ann's coupon), and I am wondering how flimsy the plastic Wilton one really is. Flimsy for a pro, sure, but flimsy for a 3-4x/year cake maker? Dunno. I'd rather not spend $36 on the heavy duty turntable, but if it's really that much better than the lower end one, I'd suck it up and do it.
So, I'm annoyed. They switched the schedule around at the Michael's I was going to take the class at, and now it's from 1-3PM. :rolleyes: Dangit. I was sooo looking forward to taking the class (and having two hours once/week to myself :p ). I'm going to call around to other stores, but that particular Michael's was the most convenient.
I bought this (http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E30C9FB-475A-BAC0-5AA7B0C914A78FA9&fid=3E32BB0D-475A-BAC0-5260F6656CC28C60) turntable and it's worked fine. It's a bit awkward to do stuff on the sides, but you get used to it.
ellidew
09-26-2007, 03:02 PM
I was just at the grocery store looking at the box cake mixes. I was going to get him the banana cake mix but read the ingredients and it has pecans in it. So i was going to resort to the simple jiffy yellow cake mix and when i flipped it over there was a recipe for a pumpkin cake!! yay!
Now, seeing as i'm not the worlds greatest chef/baker I have no idea how it will turn out so in an effort to not buy 30 cake mixes and spend 30 hours doing trial and error... anyone know how to doctor it?
I'm guessing the cake itself is an airy fluffy cake.
Here are the directions:
Golden Yellow cake mix
2T instant vanilla pudding
2t pumpkin pie spice
1 egg
1/2 c water
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
dash of cloves (i'll probably skip this)
So, what makes a cake airy and what makes it dense? I'm off to google but was wondering if someone had a quick answer. I'm going to get going on the trials this weekend. TIA!
gardenmommy
09-26-2007, 03:19 PM
ellidew~I gree with Andrea and sould add sourcream to the mix...whenever I have done that it makes the cake more dense and definately more moist.
I have also added pudding mixes but it sounds like your recipe already calls for that.
I was looking for a pumpkin cake recipe a while back and had very little luck..I'll let you know if I run across anything.
Pumpkin Cake did you do a search on Cake Central (http://www.cakecentral.com/)? They have a ton of recipes.
ajb524
09-27-2007, 07:20 AM
Here is my FIL's birthday cake I finished up last night :)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1140/1447825512_15f4b8f91b.jpg?v=0
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1259/1447825646_c7baf60729.jpg?v=1190895128
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1410/1446972177_a892e3f8d7.jpg?v=0
I went back and added another cactus to the center of the sides after I took this pic.
ellidew
09-27-2007, 08:01 AM
ajb- How'd you do the sombrero? Press the fondant into a bowl and over the edge?
ajb524
09-27-2007, 08:19 AM
ellidew- I got the instructions here- http://www.wilton.com/decorating/basic/sombrero.cfm
The only thing different I did is that I turned the bowl upside down and put the circle for the rim of the hat on the outside of the bowl instead of the inside like the picture shows (does that make sense).
It was my first time working with fondant, but I think I did pretty well :)
ellidew
09-27-2007, 08:37 AM
ajb- I think you did GREAT! The cake looks so yummy!
gardenmommy
09-27-2007, 09:41 AM
Andrea~Excellent job! The sombrero turned out just great!
pixielou
09-28-2007, 02:49 PM
I just baked the cake for DD's birthday. I baked it today, I'll frost and decorate it tomorow. How do I store the cake until tomorow? I was just going to leave it in the pans and cover the pans with saran wrap? Is that right? Apparently I've never baked a cake in advance before. . .
ajb524
09-28-2007, 02:52 PM
pixielou- I wouldn't leave it in the pans because it will most likely stick to the bottom of the pan and you won't be able to get it out (or at least that's what happened to me). You can put them on a plate and wrap them with aluminum foil or saran wrap.
tgr68
09-28-2007, 03:56 PM
I just signed up for Wilton's Course 1 class!! It starts October 22, and I was able to get the kit for $25!
katmg
09-28-2007, 04:12 PM
When I've prebaked cakes, I take them out of the pans, let them cool and then wrap in saran and put in the fridge.
meggers
09-28-2007, 07:52 PM
pixielou- I wouldn't leave it in the pans because it will most likely stick to the bottom of the pan and you won't be able to get it out (or at least that's what happened to me). You can put them on a plate and wrap them with aluminum foil or saran wrap.
If you do leave the cake in the pan and it gets stuck, you can just heat the bottom of the pan a bit and it will pop right out.
pixielou
09-29-2007, 07:46 PM
Thanks for the advice. I left the cakes in the pans, and wrapped them with saran wrap. Have I ever mentioned that I *love* Wilton Cake Release? The cakes came out of the pans without incident today.
So the cake is decorated - all ready for my daughters birthday party tomorow.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t6/pixielou_house/misc%20photos%20-%20for%20cc/anikais3cake005.jpg?t=1191116669
And while I'm posting - this is the cake I made for my mom's birthday a while ago. She loved the "final cake" for the Wilton Class #2, and so that it was I made her for her birthday.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t6/pixielou_house/misc%20photos%20-%20for%20cc/Momsbirthday10feb076.jpg?t=1191116777
Jen531
10-01-2007, 05:47 AM
Thanks for the advice. I left the cakes in the pans, and wrapped them with saran wrap. Have I ever mentioned that I *love* Wilton Cake Release? The cakes came out of the pans without incident today.
So the cake is decorated - all ready for my daughters birthday party tomorow.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t6/pixielou_house/misc%20photos%20-%20for%20cc/anikais3cake005.jpg?t=1191116669
And while I'm posting - this is the cake I made for my mom's birthday a while ago. She loved the "final cake" for the Wilton Class #2, and so that it was I made her for her birthday.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t6/pixielou_house/misc%20photos%20-%20for%20cc/Momsbirthday10feb076.jpg?t=1191116777
Very nice cakes! I bet your daughter loved her birthday cake! Also, great job on your flowers!
ajb524
10-01-2007, 10:59 AM
Beautiful cakes pixielou!!
jesvet
10-01-2007, 03:09 PM
We went with a Dora theme.
http://pics.livejournal.com/zoofussa/pic/0006yek3
http://pics.livejournal.com/zoofussa/pic/000716bt
Image quality isn't the best but it's all I have online right now. The plastic figures were the same ones the grocery stores use (the Magic of Cakes ones that are in most supermarkets), I just found the kit from an ebay seller.
I got a cake airbrush for Christmas and I LOVE it. It makes decorating so much faster! I'm loving it.
ajb524
10-02-2007, 06:42 AM
jesvet- I love your Dora cake!! Very cute :D
gardenmommy
10-02-2007, 09:19 AM
Jesvet~Amazing job!! Oh I bet your DD loved it...I especially love swiper hiding! It totally makes me sing...rock path, bridge, waterfall!: LOL!
jesvet
10-02-2007, 09:34 PM
Thank you! :D It was a success for sure. And all things considered, technically it wasn't hard at all.
shaqangel
10-02-2007, 09:43 PM
I just finished course 1 of the Wilton classes. it was lots of fun and i definitely learnt a lot. here are some of my cakes:
week 2: i messed up the number and it went downhill from there!
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/veryll/100_6940.jpg?t=1191382532
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/veryll/100_6958.jpg?t=1191382653
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/veryll/100_6987.jpg?t=1191382699
week 3 - clown cake i did in class
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/veryll/100_7009.jpg?t=1191382828
and the one i practiced during the week
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/veryll/100_7016.jpg?t=1191382957
more practicing:
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/veryll/100_7020.jpg?t=1191383011
shaqangel
10-02-2007, 09:49 PM
my rose cake:
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/veryll/100_7126.jpg?t=1191383065
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/veryll/100_7135.jpg?t=1191383155
i really am having a tough time with those shell borders. i just cant seem to get them right.
just a practice cake i did last night - i like the drop flowers.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/veryll/100_7131.jpg?t=1191383226
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/veryll/100_7132.jpg?t=1191383270
my writing has improved but thats definitely a weak point for me! i really enjoyed the class and might do the 2nd class sometime next year. i will definitely be practicing and making more cakes. this was hard work but lotsa fun.
Janey
10-03-2007, 12:36 PM
shaqangel - Those cakes are awesome. :D Your roses are fantastic!
My first week of Class I is tonight and I am ridiculously excited.
maplekitty
10-03-2007, 06:16 PM
I just started the Wilton, course 1! I'm mostly just excited to get out of teh house for a few hours a week! LOL
tgr68
10-03-2007, 10:42 PM
My class doesn't start until the 22nd. :( I hope you two are enjoying it so far! :)
Janey
10-04-2007, 12:39 PM
I feel like the universe does not want me to take this class. :rolleyes: The instructor called to say that due to a family emergency, she was postponing until next week.
ellidew
10-04-2007, 12:57 PM
That stinks Janey!
My class starts on MONDAY!! YAY!
ellidew
10-04-2007, 12:58 PM
Question: How is everyone (that doesn't have the tackle box lookin' thing) organize their supplies?
maplekitty
10-04-2007, 02:30 PM
How do you get food colouring off your hands??
Janey
10-04-2007, 04:24 PM
ellidew - right now my meager supplies are in a black tote bag. I'm going to have to figure something out, too -- either get one of those tackle boxes, or a Sterilite type container.
In case anybody needs some supplies - JoAnns is running a 50% off sale this weekend. Here's the coupon (http://www.joann-mail.com/J0641c1x/coupons_only.html?r=0563274901&i=J0641c1x38).
Is anybody else completely obsessed with the cakecentral.com cake galleries?? :o Man - I hope I don't suck at this.
ajb524
10-05-2007, 06:56 AM
Is anybody else completely obsessed with the cakecentral.com cake galleries?? :o Man - I hope I don't suck at this.
I'm completely obsessed :). I have gotten so many good idea's from that site :)
ajb524
10-09-2007, 01:36 PM
I made this cake for my family reunion this weekend. I wasn't really thinking when I did the roses. I should have just done all one color or 3. I couldn't figure out how to arrange the roses in a way I liked either. Everyone thought it was really pretty though and was amazed by the basketweaving. No one believed me when I told them it was really easy :)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2061/1507974032_61cbdb7cc3.jpg?v=0
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/1507123739_8b3d835e1c.jpg?v=0
ellidew
10-09-2007, 02:09 PM
My first class was last night! I'm looking forward to learning the techniques and i've already learned so much. I packed up some of the stuff i bought during the hobby lobby 40% off coupon shopping spree and made a list of other more pressing items i'd like to have.
A couple of things i don't like so far: my instructor is a moron and has awful teaching skills. She'll go on 10 minute hiatus' about how frugal she is, her grandmothers baking, her children/husband/etc... and then go 'oh by the way did i tell you about blah blah and don't forget about blah blah but back to what i was saying about blah blah'. We're all like 'huh?'
She said we didn't have to bring in cakes we could just use our practice boards :eek: can you imagine! LOL. Yeah, i'm totally bringing in a cake to decorate!
I did find out about a cake decorating supplier in my area that just happens to be about 10 minutes from my house! I have a feeling that's going to be a problem.
I baked my trial stand up house cake and it turned out really good using a pound cake. I'm going to make a different flavor for the barn smash cake but for the one that will actually be standing up i thought i better use something heavy. Still working on the sheet cake and i have no idea when i'll have time to practice the actual decorating! I think i'll be able to practice 2 weeks before ds' party so hopefully if i botch it completely i can just order one ;)
ajb- you're cake is beautiful! I can't wait to learn how to basketweave!
Hi
I'll preface with saying I've never really decorated a cake. I mean I've baked a cake and iced it but I've never decorated one. I'm thinking about making DS's monkey cake for his first birthday.
I'd like to make something similar but the base cake would be rectangular
http://coolest-birthday-cakes.shippony.com/images/animals/monkeys/monkey-face-09.jpg
The monkey part of the cake would be made from Wilton's Animal Cracker molded cake pan.
Do you think this is something a novice can pull off? Also, I would smooth on the icing isn't of using a tip.
ellidew
10-10-2007, 12:28 PM
Absolutely! The little star tool was the first thing we 'learned' on night 1 of the wilton class i just started taking and it's super easy. Point, squeeze, pull away, repeat until the cake is covered. Super easy!
Okay, nevermind, you said you'd smooth on the icing... that's easy enough! Good luck.
thanks, I'm so nervous, but I'd like to say I made his cake.
I'm getting exciting. What does everyone use to tint the color to a specific color?
ellidew
10-10-2007, 12:33 PM
Go to michaels/other store that sells wilton products and buy the color tints in the cake decorating aisle. 1 little container goes a LONG way and it's about $1.50 per color.
thanks, ellidew. So I can use regular buttercream frosting then just add tint to it?
maplekitty
10-10-2007, 12:54 PM
My first real decorating class was last night - here's my first cake!! :) This is all so fun, but holy labour intensive!!! Thank god Robyn takes a 3 hour nap because i took that whole time to make the filling, ice the cake, and make and colour my icings for the class that night! YIKES! Please tell me I'll get faster at this!!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e29/maplekitty/DSC00668.jpg?t=1192041846
ajb524
10-10-2007, 12:54 PM
nic- Yeah, that should be pretty easy to make. I think you could even do the star tip if you wanted ;). It's not hard at all.
Good luck!!
ajb524
10-10-2007, 12:56 PM
So I can use regular buttercream frosting then just add tint to it?
Yep! I always start off by adding the color gel with a toothpick till I've got the color I want. I haven't really branched out with my buttercream recipe's yet. I use the Wilton class icing b/c it's pretty simple to make and good.
maplekitty- Cute cake!!!
Janey
10-10-2007, 01:04 PM
Maplekitty that looks fantastic!! :D I love your writing. That is one part I'm really nervous about.
My first class is tonight... finally...!!
I bought a few things during the Jo-Anns 50% off sale. A box of bags, some colorings, and the tackle box. I figured it was worth $10 to keep everything organized.
thanks for the advice.
One more question- will the star tip be easier than trying the spread it smooth? Do I use tip number 223?
ellidew
10-10-2007, 01:25 PM
I think the star tip will be equally easy but slightly more time consuming. However, i think you'll be happier with the outcome and you can be more specific about where each color goes. I'm sorry i don't know which star tip but someone else will!
ajb524
10-10-2007, 02:29 PM
thanks for the advice.
One more question- will the star tip be easier than trying the spread it smooth? Do I use tip number 223?
I'm horrible at remembering the numbers. I'd have to check my kit to see.
I have a hard time getting cakes smooth so that's why I like the star tip (and basketweaving)
ajb524
10-10-2007, 02:31 PM
Has anyone else taken course III? I started last night. Our teacher said we could do any cake we wanted for the final cake. It just has to be a two tiered cake using the columns, but that's the only restriction.
meggers
10-11-2007, 02:41 PM
maplekitty--Wow, your writing is very good.
Hello Kitty
10-11-2007, 02:58 PM
I just wanted to delurk and say I love this thread. I want to decorate cakes so badly! Has anyone had success teaching themselves and not taking the Wilton classes?
Maple - your attention to detail shows.
maplekitty I am so very jealous of your writing!
Hello Kitty I only took the first course and I think I've done OK. I learn a lot from Cake Central (http://www.cakecentral.com/) and online. You should be able to find the class booklets on Ebay for a decent price. A lot of it is just practicing... sure it helps to have someone show you how to do something and correct your mistakes, but I think you can do it on your own.
ok, so this is the wilton pan I'm using for the monkey:
http://www.wilton.com/store/images/site_images/2105-4945_m.jpg
I'm going to make a heavy chocolate cake to go underneath which will have smooth buttercream frosting. I'm going to use a star tip to ice the monkey then put it on top of the chocolate cake, can I use the same icing for both cakes?
This is the first time I'm making a "real" cake so I'm sorry if this is a silly question.
eta: Can anyone recommend a yummy but easy buttercream recipe?
ajb524
10-12-2007, 08:59 AM
nic- I think it would be okay to use the same icing. You may have to add more powdered sugar to the batch you use for the star tip if your icing is too thin since you're also using it for icing the bottom cake.
Hello cake ladies! I have a question. When i go to that "Cake Central" website all the pictures are thumbnails. I click on them expecting to see an enlarted version of the picture - but it just takes me to a page where I can comment on the picture - and the picture isn't even on that page! Is there a way to see the pictures larger?
THANKS!
Ummmm .. I'm an idiot. If I would take time to read what is in front of me i'd see that I "have to be logged in to view this image". Sorry! :)
ajb524
10-12-2007, 09:09 AM
KGif- That usually happens to me if I forget to login at Cake central.
nic- Oops, I didn't see your recipe request when I first replied. Here's the wilton class recipe. I'm sure there are lot more out there, but I haven't ventured out yet since this one is pretty fail proof :)
Class Buttercream (http://deepann.wordpress.com/2007/04/17/wilton-buttercream-icingstif-consistency/)
I've found that sometimes I have to add a little more water than recommended to get the right consistency.
maplekitty
10-12-2007, 10:10 AM
re: cake writing
thanks ladies!! :) I think it also helps that I'm trained as a welder, so my hand and pressure is very steady ;)
petdoc08
10-12-2007, 10:34 AM
Has anyone else taken course III? I started last night. Our teacher said we could do any cake we wanted for the final cake. It just has to be a two tiered cake using the columns, but that's the only restriction.
Delurking to say I took it about 6 months ago. Our teacher told us we could do any cake we wanted as long as we used three elements from the course. I decided to do a stacked cake. I am not a fan of the columns. I used cornelli lace, ruffles, and fondant as my three elements.
I will say our teacher was VERY lax and basically let us do whatever we wanted in all four courses. I had decorating experience before taking the wilton series so I ran with it.
Here is the my final cake:
It is a 8"6"4" stacked covered in fondant http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m139/petdoc/IMG_0112-2.jpg
Top Tier close up: http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m139/petdoc/IMG_0119-2.jpg
tgr68
10-12-2007, 10:56 AM
Here's a cake I made back in September announcing to our families we were expecting #2. It was my first attempt writing. Be gentle!
http://media5.dropshots.com/photos/32398/20070909/170030.jpg
very cute, tgr!!
I'm nervous about writing on a cake too.
Janey
10-12-2007, 11:01 AM
petdoc that is holy-cow-AMAZING. Great job! :D :D
TGR - I hope I get to make a cake that says something like that someday. ;)
My first class was last night. It was a lot more involved than I thought it was going to be!! Maplekitty said it took her 3 hours to make/prep all her icing, and I believe her.
ajb524
10-12-2007, 11:16 AM
Petdoc- Your cake is so beautiful!!! You did a fantastic job :). I don't like the look of columned cakes either, but our teacher really wants us to use it since it's easier to take apart to transport it back home :).
tgr- Cute cake :). Writing is hard, but it gets easier with practice :)
Janey- The making icing process gets faster the more you do it, but it's still time consuming. I usually bake my cakes and freeze them in advance so I don't have to do everything at one time.
sparkle&shine
10-13-2007, 08:27 AM
Has anyone else taken course III? I started last night. Our teacher said we could do any cake we wanted for the final cake. It just has to be a two tiered cake using the columns, but that's the only restriction.
I took class III and did the cake from the book. I am sure that I changed it up a bit and could have done something different but I thought that it was really pretty! It is amazing what you will accomplish by the time you are done with all of the courses!!
Here is a pic of mine:
http://images.snapfish.com/3466%3A559%3B%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3E WSNRCG%3D323362454%3A3%3A3nu0mrj
Pineknot
10-13-2007, 05:14 PM
Beautiful cakes, ladies!!
Sparkle, that cake is just fantastic!
ajb524
10-14-2007, 09:14 AM
Sparkle&Shine- Your cake is fabulous!!!
Alioop12345
10-14-2007, 10:35 AM
Nic I used that same pan to make a monkey cake for my son's 1st birthday. I trimmed the ears a bit but I did not put any icing on the cake other than the star tip. In other words, I did not use a crumb layer of frosting. Here is my pic...Hope taht makes sense. Also, I use the buttercream recipe from Wilton.com. I used it for the pink and the white. For the brown and black, I used the Wilton's jarred chocolate buttercream and added the black. I had to be careful though because the chocolate jarred stuff, the consistency wasn't as thick so I had to add more powdered sugar and chocolate so I could pipe my stars.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/Alioop12345/monkeycake.jpg
Alioop, that cake turned out great, I hope mine turns out hald as well. What # star tio did you use?
Sparkle* Shine- Beautiful cake, I can't imagine making something so pretty.
Alioop12345
10-15-2007, 08:02 AM
Nic I'm sorry. I don't know what size star tip. Not sure it really matters. The larger the tip, the less time it will take you though
Kanga
10-17-2007, 07:48 PM
nic - I didn't do a monkey cake, but a caterpillar cake but it's similar. I used the triple star tip (i think there's only one). I'm not sure of the number but you should be able to find it fairly easily on wilton.com
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/Liz_Adams/IMG_0381.jpg?t=1192671766
I'm going to be making a dog/cat bowl cake for dd1's 2nd birthday. I plan on baking it in a pyrex bowl, and then cutting off the curved edges (does that make sense). My question is, I've heard you're supposed to add something to the cake to help it bake more evenly, especially if using a box cake (applesauce, I think). When i made the above caterpillar cake, some turned out alright, but some got burnt on the outside while still goey on the inside. Does anybody know how much applesauce or whatever it is you're supposed to add to it?
ellidew
10-17-2007, 09:21 PM
If I were to make some royal icing animals for my barn cake ahead of time how do i store them and for how long are they good?
ajb524
10-18-2007, 07:04 AM
If I were to make some royal icing animals for my barn cake ahead of time how do i store them and for how long are they good?
I store my royal icing flowers in a tupperware bowl. I don't know exactly how long they are good for, but my wilton teacher gave us the impression that they don't ever go bad. I probably wouldn't use any over 6 months old.
Kanga- Very cute cake!!!
silly question- I've seen pictures of cakes on boards covered in aluminum foil, do you just use a peice of wood? Or perhaps a large cutting board? I know,I'm cluseless! I'll be sure to post pictures after DS's party on Sunday.
Thank you for all the tips
ellidew
10-18-2007, 08:01 AM
nic- My instructor wrapped a cake board (one of the unfinished ones because they sell ones that are scalloped look like lace, etc...) in foil. You could probably wrap anything though!
ajb- So, 2 weeks is reasonable to just have them sitting out on the counter in a tupperware container?
sparkle&shine
10-18-2007, 08:25 AM
nic
ajb- So, 2 weeks is reasonable to just have them sitting out on the counter in a tupperware container?
Oh yeah NO problems there! I had some royal flowers that I used for the flowery finale cake that sat for a month I think! just make sure that they don't get humid and remain dust free. The humidity will be the worst thing that you can do to them. They never go bad and as long as they are stored somewhere clean you can use them forever (but like ajb I wouldn't store them too terribly long).
Kanga
10-18-2007, 08:59 AM
Thanks ajb!!
royal icing - I worked in a bakery and we used royal icing to ice all the sugar cookies. We just had a big tupperware container that we kept on the counter. I'm not sure how long it would sit there before getting used, but definitely longer than a month, and that's with reheating it ever few days.
cake board - we had a very old entertainment center collecting dust in the basement. We kept meaning to donate it to goodwill just to get rid of it, but we didn't have a truck so it just sat and sat. Finally I just had my husband bust it apart so I could use it for a cake board. Then wrapped it in aluminum foil.
ajb524
10-18-2007, 02:11 PM
ajb- So, 2 weeks is reasonable to just have them sitting out on the counter in a tupperware container?
Definitely! As long as they are in an air tight container they should be fine. I still have some back from July that are in a tupperware container and they look pretty good. I just haven't had a need for them yet :)
ellidew
10-22-2007, 08:36 AM
Okay, NO LAUGHING!! ;)
Here is my first attempt EVER at cake decorating! I learned a lot and it was fun to practice for ds' birthday. What I learned... my icing was WAY too runny in places like the roof shingles, my oven isn't level so my cake didn't bake evenly, I should ice the barn before piping the wood slats so the brown doesn't show through and i get thicker icing, make a TON of icing and color WAY more than i think i'll need, buy larger bags for the icing so i can set up before i start and then just change out tips. Also, i didn't finish this cake... i didn't ice the doors or window and i'm going to add rice krispie treat hay bales for the horse, and my mom put the pretzels on there when we were playing and i don't think i'll do that with the final cake, i'm going to buy the flower sprinkles and put some wildflowers in the grass. Also, i'm going to use my moms double sheet cake pan to make a larger cake and i'll clean up the crumbs from the 'dirt' upon final set up. I need to make my cake icing much thicker on the cake itself. I think i'll use my big cake icer tip for the final cake.
When my son eats his smash cake... another barn, not standing up, he's going to do so in a diaper only and he's going straight to the bathtub because that red icing is brutal on clothing!!! His party will go, dinner, presents, cake, bath!
Since this was my first cake EVER it was really just for fun and like i said it was a HUGE learning experience! I learn best hands on. I anticipate the final cake in 2 weeks to be 100 x's better!! I'll post pictures after his birthday party! Overall i'm pretty satisfied with how i think the final project will turn out. We'll see though.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2007_10e067.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2007_10e065.jpg
eta: Does anyone know where i can buy vanilla paste?
Kanga
10-22-2007, 08:45 AM
ellidew - no laughing here, and I think it turned out great, especially for a first try at cake decorating. I love the creativity in it, graham crackers for barn doors/windows, the 'dirt'. My oven isn't level either, but I found it helps to turn the cake every 15 minutes or so while baking.
ellidew
10-22-2007, 08:52 AM
Kanga- Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely start turning my cakes as they bake! GREAT THINKING!!
ajb524
10-22-2007, 09:07 AM
ellidew- I think your cake came out great!! I can't believe that was your first try at decorating. Great job!!
ok, here's the final cake. It came out okay for my first try but it was a lot harder than I expected.
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r246/nniles/christiansb-dayparty001-1.jpg?t=1193147959
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r246/nniles/christiansb-dayparty006-1.jpg?t=1193148857
ellidew
10-23-2007, 08:49 AM
nic- Thanks, you too! Your cake looks great!
ellidew
10-23-2007, 08:51 AM
By the way, i found vanilla paste online and it's sold in stl at an upscale grocery named Straubs and williams sonoma. I'm headed to the grocery this afternoon to buy it. I'm making a butter vanilla pound cake.
Sunshine
10-23-2007, 11:11 AM
OMG I am SO happy to have found this thread!
I am OBSESSED with cake decorating:D I am not great at it by any means, but I am having fun with it...and even have my DH bringing me home supplies without me even asking:p lol
I will be hopefully making another cake near the end of the month! I'll be back to share!
ellidew~I LOVE your cake! I cant wait to see your next one! It is going to be Great!
nic~GREAT Job! I am sure my first shaped cake wont be Half as good!!!
Sunshine
10-23-2007, 11:21 AM
What would you all suggest for beginning supplies...
I have a CHEAPO cake decorating set, and really, it sucks:(
I would like to invest in some Wilton bags and tips.
I have alot of the concentrated color gels and LOVE THEM!
What do you think I would use the most? Or what "kits" should I look at.
And have any of you bought tips/bags off of ebay?
Thanks:D
Hello all. I have been lurking for a few days now. You are all very talented!
I used to work in a pattisserie in high school, and I was pretty good at decorating. I am thinking about trying my hand at it again. My daughter's 1st b-day party is this weekend, and I am doing a pumpkin shaped bundt. I am gong to pipe leaves and vines on the top of it, and maybe write on it if I figure out how to do that again.
Anyone know where I can get a thing called Petal Dust? it is to color confectioners sugar.
Missy2U
10-24-2007, 07:01 AM
Anyone know where I can get a thing called Petal Dust? it is to color confectioners sugar.
http://www.cakesbysam.com/store/cart.php?target=category&category_id=250
ellidew
10-24-2007, 07:42 AM
Esq- I was at a cake supply store in my area and they had it. You might check to see if you have a cake decorating store near you. I don't recall seeing it at Michaels but i wasn't looking for it either. good luck.
sparkle&shine
10-28-2007, 07:57 PM
Here is the cake I made this weekend for DS 3rd birthday. It was Thomas the Tank Engine themed. Top layer was chocolate and bottom layer was lemon with lemon pudding filling. Cream cheese buttercream frosting.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/1792133792_54a5268059.jpg?v=1193588422
I will have to upload my other pics since they are better.
ellidew
10-28-2007, 09:09 PM
Great cake sparkle&shine! I especially love the 3 cloud!
Mind sharing your cream cheese butter cream recipe?
LoveYouKisses
10-28-2007, 10:00 PM
Alright, I love this thread, but I'm not even close to as talented as you ladies. But, for my 14 year old cousin's last JV soccer game I made monkey and pig cupcakes. Today I made monkeys, pigs, penguins, and frogs for a my cousin's 8th birthday. I'll post pictures of them after I upload them, but here are the monkeys and pigs from the soccer game.
http://image69.webshots.com/69/8/73/30/2206873300038179247NcscvK_ph.jpg
pigs
http://image24.webshots.com/565/8/8/44/2167808440038179247GhVBSl_ph.jpg
and monkeys!
Janey
10-28-2007, 10:50 PM
Here are my first two cakes for Wilton Course 1 ...
Rainbow Cake:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2222/1618805190_eac89b55a9.jpg?v=0
The clowns kind of freaked me out so I did pumpkin heads instead:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/1739409608_ca34f0c7c9.jpg?v=0
Additional photos in my Cake Set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/seahills/sets/72157602437014941/) on Flickr.
I have a really hard time getting the frosting smooth. I want to make a little round box but so far that hasn't happened yet.
For smooth icing I learned this tip from Cake Central... Get the icing as smooth as you can, then once it's crusted, take a Viva paper towel (you can also use computer paper or parchment), place it on the cake and use your hand to smooth the icing. Don't press too hard, just a light touch. Our instructor showed us the parchment, but I like the paper towel better. There is also this method (http://cakecentral.com/article83-Quick--Easy-Smooth-Icing-Using-a-Roller-Melvira-Method.html) but I find the others easier.
ajb524
10-29-2007, 11:46 AM
Cute cakes Sparkle&Shine & Janey!!
Loveyoukisses- I can't see your pics :(
Sue- I use the viva paper towels too!! I've tried and tried, but that is the only way I can get a smooth finish.
------------------------------------------------------------------
I have my course 3 final tomorrow. I spent the majority of the weekend making the royal icing flowers I'm using for it as well as the fondant butterflies I"m putting on it. All I've got left to do tonight is the basketweave on the bottom layer (I'm doing the small layer in class). I'll be sure to come back Wednesday and post pictures :).
Kanga
10-29-2007, 12:53 PM
Sunshine – I think the supplies you’ll need depends on what kind of cakes you plan on making and how you want to learn (I think a wilton course requires that you buy the wilton kit)
Loveyoukisses – I’m not able to see your pictures either. You might try uploading your pics to photobucket as your hosting site.
Janey - I think your cakes turned out really cute. I love the pumpkin clowns.
Sparkle&shine - Great job!
Here's the cake I did for Daytona's 2nd birthday over the weekend. We went with a dog and cat theme, so I did a dog food bowl. I also did cupcakes, but they're just you're basic cupcakes and I don't have a very good photo so I won't bother posting those.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/Liz_Adams/Cake.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/Liz_Adams/IMG_1339.jpg
ellidew
10-29-2007, 01:01 PM
The dog bowl rocks Kanga!!
jesvet
10-29-2007, 01:02 PM
Very cute Kanga! What did you use for kibble?
Kanga
10-29-2007, 01:09 PM
I ordered favors from Birthday Express (or some similar site, can't recall which one) that were mini dog bowls with that kibble (cookies) and a candy dog bone in them. I wouldn't recommend them to eat though, dog food probably would taste better. Actually I looked at the ingredients and it was wheat flour, sugar, oil and cinnamon. Sounds strikingly similar to the recipe for dog treats that I have:p:cool:
katmg
10-29-2007, 01:54 PM
I think you could also use Cocoa Puffs for kibble. I've seen that used as a stand-in. :)
Kanga
10-29-2007, 05:50 PM
I think you could also use Cocoa Puffs for kibble. I've seen that used as a stand-in. :)
We tried that first, but it was almost the exact same color as the chocolate frosting so it didn't look as good.
maplekitty
10-29-2007, 08:54 PM
Here's my course 1 final cake (one of the roses got squished in the ride home)
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e29/maplekitty/DSC00732.jpg?t=1193712804
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e29/maplekitty/DSC00733.jpg?t=1193712835
ajb524
10-30-2007, 08:27 AM
Maplekitty- Your roses look great!!
ajb524
10-31-2007, 07:30 AM
My instructor was really great about letting us be creative so we didn't have to stick with the cake in the book. I love butterflies so that was my inspiration. Before starting the class I always loved by the basketweave on cakes, but thought it was really difficult (which it's not) so I chose to do that.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2032/1808563266_36a2860ecb.jpg?v=1193834021
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2351/1807716581_f473d46f34.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/1808563390_5c02d24104.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2239/1807717977_4f15b0ec2e.jpg?v=0
Everyone's cakes.
Hello Kitty
10-31-2007, 08:04 AM
For the kibble, you could use mini marshmallows lightly coated in cocoa powder. That's what I thought it was at first.
Great cakes everyone - you guys have a lot of creativity and talent. I'm especially encouraged by the course 1 cakes. :)
ellidew
10-31-2007, 10:32 AM
I just sucked it up and bought a half sheet cake pan for ds' barnyard cake (previously posted but i used a regular casserole dish sized metal pan). If i have a recipe that makes 2 - 8" cakes do i need to make 2 or 3 batches of it? I asked the woman at the store 'if i use a modified cake mix batter how many do i need' and she said 3 but that seems like a lot! Then i realized it's not a modified cake mix batter so now i'm clueless.
I've read it's best to make each batch separately... do you combine them before dumping into pan or just dump each into the baking pan separately?
This is the recipe i'm using:
Serves/Yields: 2-8in, 2-6 in+12 cupcakes
Prep. Time:
Cook Time:
Category: Pound Cakes
Difficulty: Easy
Butter Vanilla Pound Cake
Ingredients
3 cups all purpose flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 package vanilla pudding
1/2 tsp. popcorn salt
1 1/2 cups butter or 2 1/2 sticks
2 2/3 cup sugar
1 tbs. heavy cream
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbs. vanilla bean paste or 1 vanilla bean scraped
6 large eggs
Directions
preheat oven to 325 f.
combine and sift flour, salt, sugar and pudding package. Put in a bowl and set aside.
cream butter, sugar and vanilla thoroughly, add 1 tbs. of heavy cream and beat hard for 30 sec.
add the flour and 1 cup of heavy cream alternating between the two and scraping down the bowl at least 1 during this.
add eggs 1 at a time making sure each is incorporated before adding another. Scrape down sides of bowl 1/2 way through.
spoon into pans and bake until golden brown and cake springs back when gently touched.
This is a dense and sweet pound cake. Goes very well with butter cream dream icing or any creamy icing. This a little sweet to cover with chocolate icing in my opinion but that is just what it is, my opinion!
I'm probably crazy to bake and serve a cake i've never tried before but... the parties saturday!!
eta: Great job on the cake ajb! Your final project is beautiful!
meggers
10-31-2007, 12:04 PM
ellidew--Wilton has a chart that says how many cups of batter (http://www.wilton.com/cake/cakeprep/baking/times/party_2inch.cfm) should go in each pan. Since your recipe says that it make 2-8 inch cakes, I will estimate that your recipe makes 7 cups of batter. I don't know the dimensions of a half sheet cake but, based on my previous estimation, two batches would get you enough for a 12"x18" sheet cake. If you are baking a larger cake, you may need a heating core (or flower nail) for baking. Wilton says to use one when baking a 10" cake or larger.
ellidew
10-31-2007, 12:19 PM
meggers- What does a heating core do? I have a flower nail i can use if necessary. I'll go check the dimensions of the pan... it's in the car (it's not a wilton pan) OH! Also, i have the wilton strappy things that you soak in cold water and then wrap around the pan.
As a general rule how full should you fill a cake pan? 1/2?
ellidew
10-31-2007, 12:25 PM
My pan is 12x18x2
meggers
10-31-2007, 12:34 PM
I think two batches should be good for your pan then. I think you will definitely need to use your flower nail as a heating core. If you search on Cake Central you should be able to find more info on this but it will help your cake bake more evenly. I think you put the flower nail (greased and floured) in the center of the pan which helps the batter in the center of the pan bake.
ellidew
10-31-2007, 12:38 PM
Thanks meggers. I just read about the flower nail. I'll do 2 batches and use the flower nail. I never would've thought of that!! Thank you!
tgr68
10-31-2007, 01:19 PM
Our Wilton instructor told us about 2/3 full should be sufficient.
My dog ate my homework! Okay, so not actually my homework, but she did eat my cake I brought home from class on Monday! :eek: I still had a little icing left to do before it was done, and DH & DD had been waiting so patiently until I finished before digging in. Well, DH found the dog up on the kitchen counter eating my cake!!!!
ellidew
10-31-2007, 01:42 PM
oh tgr, THAT BITES! (literally!)
My mom bought a full sheet cake fudge brownie once for a birthday party and put it on top of the large deep freeze in our basement in it's original packaging and our labrador ate through the packaging and nearly devoured 3/4 of it before he was found. I have no idea how that dog lived to see the next day because i think dogs are allergic to chocolate!
tgr68
10-31-2007, 07:51 PM
Ellidew~I'm not sure if dogs are actually allergic, but I know it can kill them if they eat too much. FIL's dog (a greyhound) ate a dozen brownies one time off the stove top! :eek: Our dog is a lab as well!
ellidew
11-04-2007, 10:40 AM
Here's the final barn cake!! (aka. cake decorating attempt 2!) I'm VERY happy with how it turned out!
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2007_11a061.jpg
another angle
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2007_11a060.jpg
closeups
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2007_11a120.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2007_11a121.jpg
ellidew
11-04-2007, 10:40 AM
smash cake
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2007_11a171.jpg.
kind of see top of cake... and the birthday boy
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2007_11a174.jpg
kindermom
11-04-2007, 11:42 AM
That is an awesome cake ellidew!
tgr68
11-04-2007, 08:16 PM
Ellidew~I love the cake!! :cool: The pig in the mud is way too cute!
ajb524
11-05-2007, 06:51 AM
Such a cute cake ellidew :)
ellidew: Your cakes came out awesome!!! Great job!
Janey
11-08-2007, 08:40 AM
Ellidew - I can't believe that farm cake. That is stupendous. :D I have to admit I was skeptical when you posted the first picture of what you wanted to do, but you pulled it off marvelously. Great job!
Had my final Wilton Class 1 last night. I'm really happy with how my rose cake came out. Lots of photos in the Cake Set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/seahills/sets/72157602437014941/) on Flickr, but here are two:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/1913562046_7b8f5b5cec.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2145/1912759543_1c777bdb67.jpg?v=0
ajb524
11-08-2007, 10:54 AM
Janey- I love your cake!! It looks fantastic. I still haven't mastered the bow yet, lol :)
OK, so I'm not nearly as accomplished as a lot of the ladies around here (wow, ellidew sure sets the bar high!), but I've been reading along and you guys have inspired me to try a few things. Here are three cakes I made for my Halloween party (the light was pretty bad,so none of the colors look quite right in the photos):
The first one is a red velvet cake, white chocolate buttercream under fondant.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2152/1961099970_2d9b0bacd3.jpg?v=0
This one is a carrot cake, tinted cream cheese frosting, fondant decorations
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/1961099940_dfba022b80.jpg?v=0
My final cake actually looked much better in person. Chocolate with chocolate buttercream, cocoa "dirt," Milano cookie gravestones, with fondant ghosts and pumpkins:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2265/1961099912_7f3de34c35.jpg?v=0
They are all pretty simple, but it was my first real fondant test, and tons of fun.
kindermom
11-11-2007, 05:33 AM
Amy - I would never have been able to tell that there were your first real fondants. You did an excellent job on them.
Jenean
11-17-2007, 07:16 PM
ellidew, the cakes look fantastic, and I love your son's name (it's one of my sons' name, too)! :)
meggers
11-20-2007, 12:19 PM
Ok, this is probably not very nice of me but I hope some of you can understand or talk some sense into me. I took the first Wilton course a year ago and now have a cake decorating hobby. I search around on the internet for things to learn and recipes to try. A girl at work who has seen and tasted my creations now wants one of my recipes (I just taught her how to decorate cookies with royal icing). Now I know my recipes aren't secret cause I get most of them on Cake Central but I don't really want to give it to her. I think it would be totally different if she took a cake class,was looking stuff up, or trying trying things on her own but I feel like she just wants me to give her the information that I took time to learn.
maplekitty
11-20-2007, 01:38 PM
Ok, this is probably not very nice of me but I hope some of you can understand or talk some sense into me. I took the first Wilton course a year ago and now have a cake decorating hobby. I search around on the internet for things to learn and recipes to try. A girl at work who has seen and tasted my creations now wants one of my recipes (I just taught her how to decorate cookies with royal icing). Now I know my recipes aren't secret cause I get most of them on Cake Central but I don't really want to give it to her. I think it would be totally different if she took a cake class,was looking stuff up, or trying trying things on her own but I feel like she just wants me to give her the information that I took time to learn.
Well baking is one of those things that once you find an amazing recipe, there's no turning back, and it takes a lot of trial and error to find that great recipe. If I know someone who has an amazing cake recipe, or cookies or icing for sure, I always ask them for it so I can try it out myself. Half the fun of baking is sharing your creations, and I personally think that includes recipes.
Hello Kitty
11-20-2007, 02:00 PM
I agree with Maple - I haven't started cake decorating yet, but I cook a lot. If I've taken a recipe, or the majority of it from somewhere else, sure, I'll share it. But if it's something I've concocted truly on my own and I don't want to share, well, since I don't really use recipes, I'll give main ingredients, but not the exact formula, usually b/c I can't remember it! :p
I can see how you are bristling at this as it seems like she's just chasing you around and just copykat-ing you. Maybe just refer her to Cake Central???
Sunshine
11-20-2007, 07:17 PM
I also agree with Maple....and just b/c you share your recipe doesnt mean they will be able to get it just right like you can.....A million people can work off of the same recipe and come up with different products!
Either way....I share my recipes b/c others have been so great to share theirs (Even on cakecentral)
meggers
11-21-2007, 11:10 AM
I don't usually have issues with giving away recipes. I just do in the one instance. I will give it to her cause I don't want to be mean. Thanks.
MidwesternGal
11-21-2007, 12:08 PM
meggers--I may be a little late, but here's my take. . .
I think it's okay if you have 1 or 2 recipes you want to keep that are your "specialty." I mean, what's the point of having a "signature" cake or frosting if everyone has the recipe (even if they could look it up online)?
So I think holding back a recipe or two that you are really known for is okay, but any more than that really isn't.
Pretty much all of my recipes are from other people or found online (CC is a big one!) or from a book, with maybe very slight modifications. Who knows what I'd cook if people weren't kind enough to share with me! LOL.
I'd also view the copy-cattyness as being somewhat flattering. . . afterall, she must really like your recipes and your skill to ask you for the recipe and to teach her how to do the royal icing stuff! (Granted, I don't know her personality otherwise).
meggers
11-26-2007, 11:43 AM
I made a cake for DH's family Thanksgiving. This was my first time covering a cake in fondant. The leaf border around the bottom worked will for covering up all of the bad looking spots.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/2065407729_c17418d270.jpg?v=0
Sunshine
11-26-2007, 02:20 PM
meggers~Great Job! I bet they all Loved it! I am so nervous about my first trial with fondant.....but will be trying it within the month:D Did you make it yourself? Or...what brand did you use?
ellidew
11-26-2007, 02:27 PM
Great cake meggers! Makes me hungry for cake!
How do you color fondant? I've never used fondant but i guess if i can self teach (with everyone's help in this thread) icing decorating then i can self teach fondant. lol.
Sunshine
11-26-2007, 02:41 PM
How do you color fondant?
Since I have been doing alot of reading up on fondant :p I have read about how to color it. "They" say to put a well in the ball of fondant and then to knead the color inside out wearing food safe gloves so you dont dye your hands:D
Oh, and use the powder coloring, or a little bit of the concentrated stuff.....
Mrs. M.
11-26-2007, 02:43 PM
Very pretty, meggers!
How do you color fondant?
I colored mine with powder food coloring... just knead it in. Start with a little bit, then add more as needed.
Kanga
11-26-2007, 07:31 PM
Great job Meggars! I've always wanted to try fondant, but I get scared. Yours turned out great.
meggers
11-27-2007, 11:08 AM
Thanks for the compliments. I was very nervous when I was trying to cover the cake with the fondant. I'm looking forward to trying more fondant cakes for Christmas
Did you make it yourself? Or...what brand did you use? I bought pre-made fondant cause I thought that would be easier than making myself. I bought Pettinice fondant.
Sunshine
11-27-2007, 11:47 AM
I bought pre-made fondant cause I thought that would be easier than making myself. I bought Pettinice fondant.
Thanks:D I was going to buy the Wilton brand but most everyone says it tastes really bad!
ellidew
11-27-2007, 11:54 AM
I have to stop coming to this thread until that fall cake picture falls on a new page for me b/c i keep coming in here and getting hungry for cake. I had to go buy little debbie zebra cakes yesterday because i wanted cake after seeing it and couldn't justify buying (i could've probably justified the eating part ;)) a whole cake!
petdoc08
12-07-2007, 10:54 AM
Hey ladies, I need help coming up with a polite way to decline making a cake. A club I am a member of is celebrating it's one year anniversary on Dec 20th and asked me to make the cake. They offered compensation so I agreed. I asked what they are looking for and how much they can afford. Well, they asked for a very complicated design and offered $10. I couldn't even buy the supplies for $10. If it wasn't the holiday season, I would make the cake for the cost of the supplies ($20ish) but with the timing, I just can't squeeze in a free cake. How do I say that politely without looking like a money grubber??
meggers
12-07-2007, 11:23 AM
petdoc08--Tell them that you can't do that cake for $10 then tell them what you can do for $10. Is there something you could do for $10?
Janey
12-07-2007, 11:23 AM
I would tell them that what they want is a very complicated design, and with the Holidays, you just don't have the time to do something that complicated. Offer to do something simpler (and within the $10 budget), and say that if they wanted to go elsewhere for what they really want, you will not be offended.
petdoc08
12-07-2007, 11:42 AM
meggers and Janey: Thanks for the great advice :) I offered a simpler smaller cake and pointed her in the direction of walmart/costco for the size cake she wanted for the price. I need to get better at telling people no when I am too busy to help out more.
Hula1974
12-08-2007, 08:59 PM
Can anyone post the supply list for the first Wilton class (the one's that Michael's, AC Moore, etc offer)?
I would totally appreciate it!
I am making a Thomas the Train cake for my sons birthday. Can I make the frosting ahead of time? I think it would be easier to decorate it if the frosting is already pre-made since I have to do five different colors. I wouldn't color it until I was ready to decorate. Can I put it in tupperware in the fridge? If so, do I left it sit out a little before using? TIA!
ajb524
12-10-2007, 11:44 AM
Hula- You'll need the course 1 kit or one of the tool caddy's, Bags (disposable or reusable), wax paper squares, extra couplers, icing colors, throw away cake boards (makes it easier to transport IMO), piping gel, meringue powder, clear icing flavors (vanilla, etc). Of course you'll also need cake pans and something to transport your cakes in :)
Some optional things that you could live without, but are really helpful- turn table, large spatula for smoothing cakes, an extra regular size spatula, tool caddy (I bought the biggest one and it had most everything I needed for all three courses). I know there are some other things I'm missing. Your instructor should also go over all of this with you on your first night.
krbb- Yes, you can make the icing ahead of time and refrigerate it. You can even color it. I've heard that you should do that with red because it makes the color deeper.
vwinkel
12-10-2007, 02:40 PM
Yes to all of your questions.
Kanga
12-10-2007, 03:12 PM
krbb - ditto what everyone else said. I use the wilton recipe, let it sit out covered until it's room temp, then re-whip it with a hand mixer.
ajb524
12-18-2007, 01:28 PM
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/2119809513_c1a06a391c.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2012/2119809561_04b2b8fb7a.jpg?v=0
Silly me wasn't paying attention and I colored his arm green. I'm pretending the wind his blowing his scarf :D
These aren't cakes, but I thought they were cute. I did these for my coworkers-
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/2120589134_df3474e44a.jpg?v=0
Santa claus hot chocolate treats
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2417/2119809603_7736c704ca.jpg?v=0
I forgot to add the cotton ball to the top of the hat and didn't realize it till on my way to work this morning. Oh well, they're still cute!
shopaholic
12-18-2007, 02:07 PM
Those are really cute ajb. Do you mind sharing how much of each ingredient you used?
Sunshine
12-18-2007, 02:10 PM
Those are GREAT ajb!!!!!
BTW, I didnt even notice the green arm until you pointed it out:D
I would also LOVE to know how you made the Santas! I would like to try those next year!
ajb524
12-18-2007, 02:22 PM
Thanks ladies :)
Here are the santa directions. (I got it off of cake central)
You'll need red hot candies (or red m&m's, jelly beans would work too), hot chocolate, wilton disposable decorating bags, Saran Wrap, mini marshmallows, wiggle eyes, cotton balls, ribbon.
First fill with red hot candies or m&m's
Then for Santa's hair get saran wrap and ball it up and put on top of the red hots.
Next put the hot chocolate in little plastic bags (I found the fold over sandwich bags work better than the zipper bags). I also put two envelopes of hot chocolate in each bag b/c one didn't seem like enough.
Next add marshmallows for his beard and tie it with a pretty ribbon.
Last glue the wiggle eyes on and add a cotton ball to the top of santa's hat (which I forgot to do).
They were really easy to make and everyone here at work really liked them.
The website where I found the directions for these said you could add a chocolate spoon in with it. I didn't have time to do that, but I think it would be a nice addition.
Aug2002Bride
01-18-2008, 08:13 PM
Are there any tricks to doing filling in a cake? Ive never done filling at all but was thinking of attempting it for my daughters 1st birthday cake.
Sunshine
01-19-2008, 08:47 AM
I pipe icing to make a border on top of the bottom layer....and then add the filling inside of that. (Does that make sense?) That way the top layer doesn't slide b/c it has icing to adhere to, and all the filling stays put!
Aug2002Bride
01-19-2008, 10:36 AM
Okay thanks!!!
Okay this is a really dumb question, but if you use one of the deep round wilton pans how do you get filling in it?? Do you slice the cake in half after you bake it?
Janey
01-19-2008, 11:00 AM
Yes you'll need to cut the cake, pipe the icing dam around the edges, add the filling, and then re-stack the cake.
maplekitty
01-19-2008, 11:30 AM
Also if you bake two cakes, and they seem a little on the short side, you can trim the rounded part off the top of both cakes so they both are flat, and stick those two sides together.
Then brush the crumbs of the cake with a dry pastry brush or paintbrush before icing.
And finally if you start icing and crumbs just keep on sitcking all over, do a very thin layer of icing all over the cake, crumby and all. Then stick in the fridge to cool and harden for like an hour or so, and then ice again.
Hope those tips help!
twainny
01-19-2008, 01:07 PM
Yes, I'm a nerd... I just read this WHOLE thread! I want to make cakes like you guys! But really, I don't have too many occasions where I wold need a cool cake. Besides b-days... We just don't eat cake a lot (maybe that is because I don't decorate like y'all!)
All the cakes are so awesome. You guys are really talented!
tgr68
01-19-2008, 01:43 PM
Has anyone made one of those doll cakes with the wondermold pan? I have a bridal shower I'm doing in May, and DD is asking for a princess cake in June. I'd love to see some examples (links to examples are fine) that would fit either of these. I've scoured Cake Central, and a lot of the cakes there - while beautiful - are seriously intimidating!
Sunshine
01-19-2008, 06:14 PM
Didnt finish reading to see the question was already answered:p
Aug2002Bride
01-19-2008, 06:55 PM
Thank you so much!!!!
Pineknot
01-19-2008, 08:01 PM
I just started Wilton #1 class after reading this thread for the last few months. I was so excited to start!
After the second class, when we decorated our cake, I felt like EVERYONE"S cake in the class, looked better than mine. I was so disappointed. :(
Please tell me some of you felt that way, too.
Janey
01-19-2008, 08:23 PM
Pineknot - welcome to the club. :P I really felt like my cakes were completely craptastic all the way until the Rose cake... I was happy with that one.
ajb524
01-22-2008, 08:45 AM
Has anyone made one of those doll cakes with the wondermold pan? I have a bridal shower I'm doing in May, and DD is asking for a princess cake in June. I'd love to see some examples (links to examples are fine) that would fit either of these. I've scoured Cake Central, and a lot of the cakes there - while beautiful - are seriously intimidating!
I didn't make it, but somewhere I have a picture of a bride cake that I had at my wedding shower. I'll have to try to dig it out and scan it for you. It was super cute :)
Pineknot- Yes!! I felt that way for a while. Trust me, practice makes you better. I took course 1 for the first time in March 2003. I never did anything after that class with cakes. My coworker wanted to take it last year so I retook it with her and went all the way to the third one. I'm amazed how much easier stuff is now and it's all just from practice :)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
DH's 30th birthday is today. He is a big golfer so here is the cake I made for him!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/2210642870_8240868cbf.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2139/2209848095_f57eb0da66.jpg?v=0
My writing needs some help!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2209846785_35cd84f56c.jpg?v=1200956418
The tree was made from a sugar cone with royal icing & a leaf tip.
Janey
01-22-2008, 09:42 AM
AJB - That is sooooo awesome! :D Great job!
So... I have something embarrassing to admit. I am considering wimping out on making K's first birthday cake. :o We've decided to have the party at my mom's house, and there is this awesome bakery where they live that makes really amazing carrot cake. They made her cake for her "Zeroth" birthday, and I'm considering having them make the cake for her first birthday as well. Is that horrible? I took the Wilton class specifically because I wanted to make K's birthday cake (well, and I needed a break, but the 'excuse' was that I wanted to make her first birthday cake). Maybe I could have them make/frost the cake and then I will decorate it? :o We are just going to do a "polka-dot" theme (I think), so it wouldn't be like it was any amazing decorating feat anyway.
It's okay to tell me you think I'm wimping out, if you think I'm wimping out. I can take it. :P
ajb524
01-22-2008, 11:32 AM
Janey- Thanks for the compliment :). As for her cake, I wouldn't worry about it. You can make her cake another year or you could make her a smash cake just for her and have the bakery cake for your guests.
tgr68
01-22-2008, 12:02 PM
ajb~That would be great!! :) The golf cake you made is fantastic!
Pineknot
01-23-2008, 01:04 AM
Janey,
You have plenty more birthdays to go where she will be aware you made it. Right now, not so much. :D
But, what you can do with your time you save by not doing the labor intensive cake is spend it really planning a terrific party for your guests. They'll love that far more than the cake you would have made!:p
ajb524
01-31-2008, 10:44 AM
ajb~That would be great!! :) The golf cake you made is fantastic!
I haven't forgot your picture. I just haven't been able to find it. I'm so glad I have a digi camera now. Those darn film pictures get misplaced! :D
Here's one I did this past weekend for my hubby's uncle. He was turning 50 and his wife picked out this one out from some examples I found on cake central. This was the first time I've ever using the frozen buttercream icing transfer method. It was a learning experience (the first AARP came out terrible), but I thought this one looked pretty nice. It does remind me somewhat of a 4th of july cake instead of a 50th cake, lol.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/2225237787_d1c73f2050.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2226/2226027056_9fdb47752c.jpg?v=0
LoveYouKisses
01-31-2008, 05:44 PM
I just finished course 1 and I wanted to come in and post my cakes. I loved my first two cakes, and I was really disappointed with my third. My friend and I are taking the class together, and we decided to try to do it with cream cheese frosting, that was a big mistake. We couldn't get the frosting consistency right, so making roses and really doing anything on the cake became really difficult.
My First Cake:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/2233118627_8881f0e697.jpg
My Second Cake:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2347/2233908384_025de52aa6.jpg
Second Cake Detail:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2101/2233908026_13a6baa913.jpg
Third Cake:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/2233908756_8a47eda26b.jpg
alisong
01-31-2008, 07:37 PM
In the category of "fun" rather than "elegant", here's a cake I made for DS's 3rd birthday. The theme was "dinosaur volcanoes".
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2328/2210941604_e58f6141ac.jpg?v=0
emschwar
01-31-2008, 07:41 PM
Cool! I love the lava!
Mrs. M.
02-01-2008, 02:18 AM
In the category of "fun" rather than "elegant", here's a cake I made for DS's 3rd birthday. The theme was "dinosaur volcanoes".
WOW did he just love it? The lava is super cool!
jennylou
02-01-2008, 10:33 AM
Love all the new cakes, I definitely need to get back into baking cakes - I miss it! :)
Kanga
02-01-2008, 11:45 AM
loveyoukisses - I've never been able to do much with cream cheese frosting either, so you're definitely not hte only one.
alisong - So you know we're all dying to know how you did the lava! It looks kinda like jello?
meggers
02-01-2008, 11:56 AM
alisong - So you know we're all dying to know how you did the lava. It looks kinda like jello?
I was thinking it looked like poured sugar.
ellidew
02-01-2008, 12:28 PM
alisong - So you know we're all dying to know how you did the lava! It looks kinda like jello?
i'm wondering that AND how the heck did you cut it? :p very cool!
ellidew
02-10-2008, 03:38 PM
Well, they're not cakes but here's my latest decorating creation. Valentines day chocolate covered strawberry sugar cookies.
Put sugar cookie dough into silicone baking pan. I bought the precut squares of sugar cookie dough. The pack that makes 24 cookies. I cut each square in half and put 1 half into each heart.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2008_02b002.jpg
Cool and remove. Melt chocolate in a bowl or on the stove top. Dip tops (well, bottoms really because that's the side that's flat) into chocolate. Gently shake cookie side to side to remove unevenness. Cool/refrigerate before next step.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2008_02a033.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2008_02a038.jpg
I used premade wilton cookie icing and used the icing tints to make it red. I microwaved it a few seconds so it would go onto the cookies smoother. Dip into icing same as you did the chocolate.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2008_02a049.jpg
Then I tinted some of the cookie icing yellow and added seeds. I made royal icing (so it was stiffer but i could've probably just used the cookie icing) and add leaves.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2008_02a054.jpg
Package in a decorated box for a pretty gift.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/2008_02a068.jpg
tgr68
02-10-2008, 03:56 PM
ellidew~Those cookies are fantastic!! So cute and sound so yummy!
alisong
02-10-2008, 11:11 PM
Oops, sorry to leave you all hanging! The lava is melted Jolly Ranchers with extra food coloring. I just sorted them by color, melted them in a small saucepan, then poured "splashes" onto aluminum foil. The cake actually wasn't that difficult to cut, as the volcano was a separate (chocolate) cake, so we just lifted it off the (lemon cake) island.
Super-cute cookies ellidew!
ajb524
02-11-2008, 11:26 AM
ellidew- those cookies are awesome!!
-----------------------------------------------------
Here is my son's 2nd birthday cake from this weekend :)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2236/2257229931_ea037f4b20.jpg?v=0
The red icing on elmo bled onto the white on the cake so here's a before when it was prettier, but didn't have the writing on it.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/2253557364_42cf45a90d.jpg?v=0
1_mommy
02-11-2008, 11:35 AM
those cookies are really cute!
and the elmo cake is great! i bet your ds loved it!
meatpie
02-11-2008, 01:57 PM
ajb524 Can you tell me how you did the cake and icing? Do I need to place the elmo cake on another sheet cake or can I just make the elmo cake?
Thanks!
FoxyBlue
02-11-2008, 07:10 PM
LOVING the cookies!
ellidew
02-21-2008, 06:43 PM
I think i'm going to buy this cake pan and make a couple of cakes for Easter. We're thinking about having people over for desserts in the early afternoon rather than doing up a big brunch, etc...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/bunnypan2.jpg
I want to make 1 white cake with white star icing and one chocolate cake. Ideas below...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/bunnypan.jpg
Anyone have a good chocolate cake recipe or white/vanilla/etc... cake? I'll probably do a cream cheese buttercream on the white cake. What's a good chocolate type icing that can be melted and dripped?
Looking for ideas so let me know what you have!
Pineknot
02-22-2008, 12:30 AM
Ellie,
I LOVE that bunny! Can you use just regular cake mixes? I know when I was watching Cake Decorate Celebrate a few weeks ago, she used a pound cake to make an elevated cake. She said sometimes cake mixes were too soft to stand up properly.
I'm not a huge fan of pound cake and would rather use a cake mix if I could. I'd love to make a bunny like that. I'm off to Michael's tomorrow for my cake decor. class and I think I'll take a look for that one.
ajb524
02-22-2008, 06:31 AM
Anyone have a good chocolate cake recipe or white/vanilla/etc... cake? I'll probably do a cream cheese buttercream on the white cake. What's a good chocolate type icing that can be melted and dripped?
Looking for ideas so let me know what you have!
My favorite white cake is White almond Sour Cream-
http://www.recipezaar.com/69630
I've made it many times and love it. The trick though is to make at least 24 hours before you want to serve it. The flavors develop once the cake sits in the fridge for a day or two.
ellidew
02-22-2008, 06:47 AM
Pineknot- That's not a wilton pan, i believe it's william sonoma. I've seen it in other cooking catalogs too though. I don't want to make a plain box mix but i'm all for a modified box mix. It will likely have to be a little heavier than usual. For my sons first birthday i made this Butter Vanilla Pound cake (http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-4083-0-Butter-vanilla-pound-cake.html) and it was amazing! I got compliments all afternoon. That one was from scratch but easy to make! Good luck on your cake decorating class! I made it to 1 and decided i could wing it from there. :) Though i have no idea how to make the wilton rose.
ajb- That sounds delicious! Is it too heavy (flavor wise) for spring?
Any other ideas? Need a chocolate glaze!
anyone have a good icing recipe? I am making a butterfly cake next week and need something good. BTW Dh loves cream cheese icing but it seems hard to work with. TIA
ellidew
02-22-2008, 06:55 AM
Instead of white icing maybe i'll just dust the cake like this:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e144/ellidew/bunnypan3.jpg
ellidew
02-22-2008, 06:57 AM
I used buttercream dream (http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2123-0-Buttercream-Dream.html) and really like it. I've never tried a cream cheese icing before.
ajb524
02-22-2008, 07:16 AM
Ellidew- I don't think it's too heavy flavor wise for spring. It actually tastes like a wedding cake to me. I use it a lot for birthday cakes though. The original recipe makes a lot of cake, but you can cut it in half very easily if you wanted to try it out beforehand :)
kindermom
02-22-2008, 07:40 AM
Ellidew - Fantastic cookies
jmvan74
02-25-2008, 01:18 PM
I used buttercream dream (http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2123-0-Buttercream-Dream.html) and really like it.
I used this icing on ellidew's suggestion and it was delicious! Plus it was easy to work with. ;)
jenji
02-25-2008, 07:48 PM
I'm making a 2-tiered cake next weekend for my neice's birthday. one tier will be strawberry and the other yellow cake. any suggestions for a tasty frosting that will go with both kinds of cake and is still good for decorating?
ellidew
02-25-2008, 08:52 PM
The buttercream dream recipe posted is pretty universal and would go easily with most cakes and it's super easy to work with. Someone else might have another suggestion but it's the only one i've used that i think could go with just about anything.
I use the buttercream dream as well. It's easy to work with and tastes great. One thing I do is use flavored coffee creamers to enhance the flavor. I usually use French Vanilla, since that is usually what I make, but there are so many flavors to try. I just substitute the water or milk in the recipe. I also replace the water in my cake mixes with the creamer.
tgr68
02-26-2008, 05:11 AM
Sue~Mmmmmm.....that sounds like a really, really, good substitution!
ellidew
02-26-2008, 08:08 AM
Great idea Sue!
jenji
02-26-2008, 09:45 AM
thanks for the input, ladies!
what a tasty suggestion, Sue.
alisong
02-26-2008, 09:52 AM
Here's an alligator cake I made for a friend's son's birthday over the weekend. Word to the wise - don't use a cake recipe with chocolate chips if you need to carve the cake! :rolleyes: Teeth, eyes, nose, and claws are Easter candy corn. Eyes are marshmallows.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2118/2293403998_4da5aae162.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2292618337_f7205983af.jpg?v=0
ellidew
02-26-2008, 10:45 AM
AWESOME cake Alisong!!
SunnyAB
02-26-2008, 11:17 AM
ellidew (or anyone who knows) - could you tell how much is in a stick of butter? (1/4 c - 1/2 c?) Up here, most butter comes in 2 cup blocks - there are also smaller 'blocks' but not really the sticks like I see on the cooking/baking shows. :)
ellidew
02-26-2008, 11:21 AM
1 stick of butter = 1/2 cup
HTH :D
SunnyAB
02-27-2008, 01:26 PM
Thanks ellidew! Just what I needed to know. :D
Hula1974
02-27-2008, 07:54 PM
Do Wilton supplies ever go on sale at Michael's or AC Moore? I know the pans were recently on sale, but what about everything else?
I was wondering if you ladies might be able to help me with recipes. Our cake lady, whose cakes are to die for, is getting a little out of our price range and I'm wondering if I can figure out her secrets. The reason her cakes are my favorite is because she has this fantastic light whipped type of frosting and filling that seems to be similar to whipping cream and jelly. Does this sound like something that is fairly common for bakers and if so can someone point me to any recipes?
Here is the most recent cake that she did for us, she did use fondant for the flowers, but the icing seems to be whipped (can that still be buttercream, it was much lighter than most buttercream frostings I've tasted).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/2276484181_034562b3dc.jpg?v=0
Kingdono
02-28-2008, 11:36 AM
Michaels does have sales on Wilton supplies I don't remember any of hte cupcake stuff being on sale but if you know what you want and you start early you can buy it all with coupons you just have to buy it in pieces. They will also run kit specials when they are forming new classes.
Kanga
02-28-2008, 02:15 PM
I was wondering if you ladies might be able to help me with recipes. Our cake lady, whose cakes are to die for, is getting a little out of our price range and I'm wondering if I can figure out her secrets. The reason her cakes are my favorite is because she has this fantastic light whipped type of frosting and filling that seems to be similar to whipping cream and jelly. Does this sound like something that is fairly common for bakers and if so can someone point me to any recipes?
Here is the most recent cake that she did for us, she did use fondant for the flowers, but the icing seems to be whipped (can that still be buttercream, it was much lighter than most buttercream frostings I've tasted).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/2276484181_034562b3dc.jpg?v=0
I don't have a recipe, but there is definitely a thing called "whipped buttercream". If you googled it, a few will probably come up.
meggers
02-29-2008, 11:37 AM
Hula1974--Do you have a Hobby Lobby near you? A few times a year Hobby Lobby puts out a 40% off Wilton coupon that has no limit so you can get all of your Wilton stuff at 40% off.
Hula1974
02-29-2008, 01:07 PM
Thanks! I'm going to check the web site for a location now!!
Bucktown
03-10-2008, 08:23 PM
Hula~ This is way late bu JoAnn is having a 30% off all Wilton cake decorating supplies. I even got some pans at 30% off.
ETA~ Just re-read your post. Sorry, I thought you had asked about JoAnn's.
Hula1974
03-11-2008, 10:26 AM
Hula~ This is way late bu JoAnn is having a 30% off all Wilton cake decorating supplies. I even got some pans at 30% off.
ETA~ Just re-read your post. Sorry, I thought you had asked about JoAnn's.
REALLY? No, it's not too late. I have a Joann's near me but I just looked at their flyer and didn't see the sale advertised.
meggers
03-11-2008, 01:53 PM
Here's my latest cake. I made this for my friend's bridal shower this past weekend.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2326661197_2b88c12c72.jpg?v=0
ellidew
03-11-2008, 03:22 PM
Beautiful!
One of these days i'm going to figure out how to make that bow! Is it hard to do? It's fondant, right? Should i take a fondant class or can i self teach?
jesvet
03-11-2008, 03:39 PM
Eh, I bet you could self-teach fondant for the easier things, like bows and the like. I think the books are pretty self-explanatory.
Bucktown
03-11-2008, 09:32 PM
Hula~ I wonder if they do regional sales? I'm in Chicago and just purchased a bunch of stuff. I could have sworn their website showed sales as well?
Meggers~ Nice cake!
Bucktown
03-11-2008, 09:46 PM
I made my very first fondant covered cake tonight and while it of course needs improvement it looks pretty ok. :D
I need to do something with the bottom edge of the cake to finish it off. I don't think a buttercream bottom edge would look right so what do you use? I've seen some cakes that have a shiny bottom but what is that?
jennylou
03-12-2008, 05:07 AM
Meggers - great cake!
Chylynn
03-12-2008, 06:10 AM
Great Cake!
ajb524
03-12-2008, 07:43 AM
I love your cake Meggers :)
meggers
03-12-2008, 11:07 AM
Thanks for the compliments.
ellidew--You can definitely self teach. That is what I did. You can find instructions on Cake Central.
Bucktown--I've only done a couple of fondant covered cakes. On the first one I did a fondant border and on the second one I did a buttercream border.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2059/2065407729_c17418d270.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/2118339685_dacb3a16ac.jpg?v=0
Bucktown
03-12-2008, 01:03 PM
Meggers~ Oh, very nice! What tip did you use on the second?
I'm going to post my cake despite it's faults. I think it's pretty and my 3 yr old loves it. :) I used a 9" round when I should have went with a 8" and it never occurred to me to cut the top of the cakes off so I didn't have the 'dome'. When DH saw it he said 'oh, on that cake decorating competition they cut the tops off'. :rolleyes: Could of told me that 2 hours ago!
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd127/Croceil9/IMG_3074_1-1.jpg?t=1205348409
Mrs. M.
03-12-2008, 01:11 PM
I think it looks great with the dome!
Kanga
03-12-2008, 01:15 PM
Here's my latest cakes for my dd2s 1st birthday. The mini gift boxes are fondant, but everything else is buttercream. I've never done a square cake before and was a little surprised at how difficult it was to frost smooth. I'm thinking I should have thinned out the icing a little more since it seemed like it didn't want to stick to the cake. I also had some problems with the fondant (marshmallow). I made a double batch for my trial and refidgerated the extra batch since I read you could do that, but some of it kept cracking on me. No idea why some of it did and some of it didn't (none did during the trial run). Too much powdered sugar, perhaps?
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/Liz_Adams/IMG_2029.jpg
SunnyAB
03-12-2008, 09:25 PM
Meggers - love your cakes, especially the the snowflake one!
Bucktown - your cake looks wonderful! Tell your hubby that they have to cut their tops off on that show because all the cakes they bake are LOPSIDED - yours isn't! :D (really, yours looks awesome).
Kanga - how cute! What did you use for the bows on the mini gift boxes?
I used to decorate lots of cakes, but for some reason have always been afraid of fondant. :confused: I will have to read up on it. It kind of looks like modeling clay - and that would be fun to work with! :)
ETA - should clarify this - I don't mean it looks like clay - but seems nice and pliable/moldable. :)
Bucktown
03-13-2008, 06:51 AM
Mrs. M & Sunny AB~ Thanks! Though I think you guys are being very generous with your comments. :) But I'll take em! ;)
meggers
03-13-2008, 11:11 AM
Bucktown--Your cake looks great. If you don't want to bother with cutting the tops of you cakes, you can always try the bake even strips. They help your cake bake evenly so you don't get the dome. As for the tip on my second cake, it's the round one you use in course 1 to make the base for a rose.
SunnyAB--Thanks for the compliment. Don't be afraid of fondant. You can do some neat things with it.
ellidew
03-13-2008, 11:15 AM
Can you buy ready made fondant already colored at michaels or hobby lobby? If it only comes in white then how do you add color? The thought of rolling out fondant (or cookie dough for shapes or pie crust for that matter) makes me queasy. I'm fairly artistic and in highschool i probably took 10 art/cooking/inter design electives and Aced all of them while barely trying but there was nothing i hated more than rolling out dough or clay for pottery. I suck at it!
Eta: Any ideas for a 90th birthday party cake? I'm up for trying my first tiered cake! I don't need it until the end of July so i have a lot of time to play around with it. That being said... what's the best way to transport a tiered cake? Is it best take it in 2 layers and stack on sight then finish off with a ready to use bag of icing where the 2 cakes meet?
Kanga & Bucktown - Your cakes look great!!
Kanga
03-13-2008, 11:18 AM
sunnyab - the bows are made out of royal icing. I iced the bow shape first on wax paper, then let it harden overnight. Then to assemble them I used a glob of buttercream on top for them to adhere to.
colored fondant - you can buy colored fondant at hobby lobby, I don't know about michaels. To color it, it's the same as frosting. I used the wilton color gels and then kneeded it in. It wasn't hard at all, but it was kind of a PITA.
ajb524
03-13-2008, 11:19 AM
Ellidew- Yes, they have a box of fondant that is multi-colored. It's not that hard to color it yourself though. Just add a little of the icing color gel and kneed the fondant un