Cake Decorating
at home
Discover the art of cake decorating for fun!
Zoe Clark
A DAVID & CHARLES BOOK
Copyright David & Charles Limited 2010
David & Charles is an F+W Media Inc. company
4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
First published in the UK and US in 2010
Text and designs copyright Zoe Clark 2010
Layout and photography copyright David & Charles 2010
Zoe Clark has asserted her right to be identified as author of this work in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.
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 or mechanical, by photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.
The designs in this book are copyright and must not be made
for resale.
The author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that all the instructions in the book are accurate and safe, and therefore cannot accept liability for any resulting injury, damage or loss to persons or property, however it may arise.
Names of manufacturers and other products are provided for
the information of readers, with no intention to infringe copyright
or trademarks.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7153-3758-5 paperback
ISBN-10: 0-7153-3758-0 paperback
Printed in China by RR Donnelley
for David & Charles
Brunel House, Newton Abbot, Devon
Publisher Alison Myer
Acquisitions Editor Jennifer Fox-Proverbs
Assistant Editor Jeni Hennah
Project Editor Jo Richardson
Art Editor Charly Bailey
Photographers Sian Irvine
Production Controller Kelly Smith
Pre Press Jodie Culpin
David & Charles publish high quality books on a wide range of subjects. For more great book ideas visit: www.rucraft.co.uk
Introduction
Welcome to my first book! I have been a cake designer for several years now. After making my own wedding cake in 2005, I fell in love with all aspects of baking and cake design, and then turned my passion into a profession.
I specialize in all areas of cake making and decorating, but here I wanted to concentrate on schemes for celebrations that can include the whole family in the creative processes. Having two children, I know how rewarding it is to get kids involved in baking and designing cakes. In fact, mine are now expert cookie cutters and cupcake decorators!
My style is simple, feminine and non-fussy, so with each chapter I have kept the designs and techniques relatively basic, as I wanted the book to appeal to the full range of skill levels. Some projects are harder than others, but Ive kept these as straightforward as possible. All have easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and accompanying photos, and I have included practical tips along the way to provide extra guidance and reassurance.
The book has 10 chapters, each focusing on a central theme with one main cake and 2 smaller, complementary designs, which can be made together or separately. All these cake concepts can be adapted to cater for personal colour or design preferences, or to suit a different theme or celebration, and I have offered suggestions for variations throughout. Ive also included ideas for how you can extend the theme to your table decorations and dcor, to create the perfect backdrop and atmosphere for the occasion. Let these inspire you and your family to make your celebratory event truly unique and memorable.
But the most important part of cake making and decorating is to enjoy it, so just get stuck in and have a go. Dont worry if your first attempts arent perfect youll soon develop your own style and methods with a little practice. Good luck!
Baking essentials
Large electric mixer For making cakes, buttercream and royal icing
Kitchen scales For weighing out ingredients
Measuring spoons For measuring small quantities
Mixing bowls For mixing ingredients
Spatulas For mixing and gently folding together cake mixes
Cake tins For baking cakes
Tartlet tins and/or muffin trays For baking cupcakes
Baking trays For baking cookies
Wire racks For cooling cakes and icing fondant fancies
General equipment
Greaseproof (wax) paper or baking parchment For lining tins and to use under icing during preparation
Clingfilm (plastic wrap) For covering icing to prevent drying out and wrapping cookie dough
Large non-stick board For rolling out icing on
Non-slip mat To put under the board so that it doesnt slip on the work surface
Large and small non-stick rolling pins For rolling out icing and marzipan
Large and small sharp knife For cutting and shaping icing
Large serrated knife For carving and sculpting cakes
Cake leveller For cutting even, level layers of sponge
Cake card Special card, thinner than a cake board, to which you can attach miniature cakes
Large and small palette knife For applying buttercream and ganache
Icing or marzipan spacers To give a guide to the thickness of icing and marzipan when rolling out
Icing smoothers For smoothing icing