Edible gold leaf has a long and decadent history – it’s not known which was the earliest culture to indulge in eating gold, but as soon as any society learned to beat gold thinly enough to make gold leaf, you can probably bet that they ate food coated with a …
These two special effect icings look best on a square single tier cake, where their subtle detailing can be seen without distractions. They also look good if you cut them into circles and lay them over cupcakes that have had their tops levelled. For wood effect icing you need: Ingredients …
Have you ever wondered how those masterpieces you see in cake shop windows are so smooth and lump free? Well read on to find out all about the perfect crumb coating. To get a really smooth icing finish on a cake, most experienced bakers will ‘crumb coat’ first. It’s a …
You’ve spent hours in the kitchen baking the perfect cake its fragrant aromas wafting gently through the house. Now the hard work is done, don’t let it go to waste by neglectful storage. Read our tips on successful storage to get the best from every cake you bake. Working Out …
A delicious cake deserves beautiful decoration. If you’ve got a special occasion or a party coming up why not turn your favourite cake into a jaw-dropping centrepiece? You don’t have to be a sugar-paste artist to turn out something incredible: here are some stylish and creative ideas to get your …
Sugarpaste piping, plaques, fondant and trellis: when did icing become so complicated? No wonder most of us avoid it, commissioning bespoke wedding or birthday cakes instead of decorating our own. Well, it’s time someone demystified the most unpopular icing techniques. If you’d like the confidence to try your hand at …
It’s a fairy land of gold leaf Labrador-shaped cutters and hologram glitter out there, if you know where to look. Want to find out where Nigella buys her tiny cupcake roses, or where to order festive marzipan models? Here’s how to make your cake a modern masterpiece, and where to …
If icing still terrifies you (and we’re doing our best to prevent that) there are plenty of ways to make your cake look gorgeous – without mixing, moulding or piping. Today, anyone who can spread glue can build a pretty cake. It’s true – here’s our guide to avoiding icing! …
Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween: these are excellent excuses to get into the kitchen and whip up a batch of celebratory cakes. Miniatures are ideal for getting the kids involved, too, so what are you waiting for? At Christmas, Valentine’s and Halloween, baking shops are awash with decorations and edible …
From rhubarb to lavender from mocha to Baileys, there are a hundred and one icings to spread proudly on your cakes. Look around and you’ll find books dedicated to cupcake icing: techniques, flavours, tricks, and so much more. Here are some of our favourite icing flavours – but don’t stick …
