Free instructions on cake decorating

It's interesting:
"Now everyone, I'm aware that it's a particularly cold winter's day for a wedding, but don't worry... if anyone is feeling a chill running down their spine it's ..."

Cake decorating is becoming an increasingly popular hobby, due in part to such television shows as TLC's Cake Boss, Food Network's Ace of Cakes, and TLC's Ultimate Cake-Off. Although many craft and cake decorating supply shops offer classes in cake decorating design, many basic decorating instructions can be learned online for free, and allow users to work from the privacy of their own home when their schedule permits.

Add this to my Recipe Box.

1. Use A Specialized Pan

   • One of the best tips to a professional-looking cake is to use a specialized pan, sold in any craft or cake decorating shop. These pans are often shaped like famous cartoons, such as Elmo, Spiderman, Dora the Explorer and Mickey Mouse, or recognizable symbols and icons, such as a sand castle, building blocks, a tiara or a baby rattle. These pans include varying levels, details and imprints, so that the batter baked inside them is shaped to resemble the intricate pan.

   Frost Your Cake Smoothly

   • To ensure that your frosting goes on smoothly and evenly, it's essential that your utensils be at the right temperature. Dip a straight-edge spatula into warm water for three seconds, then remove and wipe with a towel to collect any residual moisture. Place the first layer of your cake on a cake plate, preferably a rotating one, for easy access. Next, scoop 1 tbsp. of cake frosting into the center of the first layer and slowly smooth the frosting outwards, to the edges of the cake. Do not allow the spatula to touch the cake itself, as this will cause the cake to crumble. Next, sweep the frosting from the edges of the cake layer back to the middle of the cake. Add more frosting as necessary. Continue until cake is frosted. Next, place second layer of cake on top and repeat. Once frosted, frost the sides of the cake by holding the warmed spatula upright, with its edge against the icing, and rotating the cake slowly. Spin the cake, taking care not to remove the spatula from the cake so as not to disrupt any crumbs. Repeat and remove excess icing until smooth.

   Use Pastry Bags

   • Pastry bags are the simplest way to create a professional-looking cake. To begin, place buttercream frosting (made by combining 6 cups of confectioner's sugar, 2 sticks of softened butter, 1 tsp. of vanilla, and 2 tbsp. of milk) in a pastry bag. Pastry bags may be purchased in craft or cake decorating shops, or can be made using a plastic bag with a snipped corner. Place a star cake decorating tip, such as tip #16 or #23, on the pastry bag at the opening. Next, apply firm and even pressure until pastry bag exerts a small star of frosting. Pull pastry bag away from cake and then begin again. Repeat until cake is covered in stars, and use different pastry bags with different colors if cake requires multiple colors.

Source: www.ehow.comTags: cake decorating, craft cake, craft cake decorating, cake decorating, edges cake