Zagarella Italian Restaurant

In case you are new to baking, there a couple of things which you may find beneficial when decorating your first cakes that will give you something you may be proud to offer other people. Whether you are making it for a party or simply for fun, listed here are some ideas you need to remember.

The first point is always to use ingredients that are room temperature when making your cake as well as when decorating it. Some things need to be kept in the fridge, but keep in mind to take them out a minimum of 30 minutes before you have to use them. You'll discover things significantly simpler to work with if they're at the same temperature.

On a similar note, make sure your cake has cooled totally so it too is at room temperature. If you do not let it cool totally, it'll begin to liquefy any icing you try to put on it. You might even see it begin to slip off!

There are a few exceptions to this rule. When placing multiple layers of frosting on (e.g. as one usually does using a ganache), you'll discover that refrigerating it for half an hour between frostings will provide you with a smoother covering.

Taking it one step in the other direction, you may get a really glossy, professional finish to your frosting if you melt the finished article a bit with a hair dryer. Do not put the dryer on full heat and right up to the cake though, as obviously you'll melt it too much! You may also find it helpful to heat the knife before cutting your cake as it will not 'drag' the icing when slicing.

In case you are nervous of making use of a frosting or royal icing, attempt fondant icing first as you'll be able to purchase this ready-made and even rolled. This can be just lifted over the cake and smoothed down the edges. Brush a little warm apricot jam on the cake initially as this may help it stick. Roll out any remaining fondant you have left and cut some shapes with cutters to put on the top. Just dab a little water on the bottom to fix them. If you're artistic, you'll be able to mold figures to sit on top also. Putting a cocktail stick inside the figure and then into the cake will hold it secure but don't make your figures out of proportion for the cake.

With these suggestions, you'll be able to make the perfect cake. People will not believe that you created it your self if they've never seen your masterpieces before.