Week 2 cake decorating course

I went to week two of the basic cake decorating course at Milly's last night. I had to prepare a cake, a design for the top and some icing to take.

I decided to do another of my tall cakes. Hmmmm, perhaps I should've started smaller. Then I might have had a chance to get the sides 'perfect'. 

The idea of this class was to learn how to transfer pictures onto your cake. It was actually quite easy. I chose a picture I found online. A basic flower.

So I prepared like I would for any class. I had ideas of colours and stuff in my head, and it all went a bit haywire when I forgot to save some white icing. Still the rest worked out ok.

I have to admit I'm not a big fan of little stars all over a cake. But think in this case it's worked out ok.

One of the things I discovered in last weeks class, is to get white icing, all you need to do is leave out the butter. So what do you put in butter icing that isn't butter? Shortening. In this case...Sno creme. Brought of course at Millys (and I'm sure a few other cake shops)! So that's fine, except, well, I don't really like the taste. And I've since discovered, neither do my kids. So I think I'll be back to my standard icing receipe unless I need white.

Did you notice the glitter above? Gosh it's cute. I just couldn't help myself. A little pottle found it's way to the counter and them home with me. Norty thing!

I tried to make a pink lemonade cake, but just about every single receipe I found had 'cake mix' as part of the receipe. Anyone who follows me on facebook will have seen the little rant I had about that. Anyway, I did find one 'scratch' pink lemonade cake, and even that had things like lemon extract. Why not actual lemon juice, from a lemon? I gave it a shot changing out those couple of things and it was 'ok'. I have to say not my best cake. But it does look cool!

I basically made two cakes. Then just cut them and alternated them in the 'build' of the cake. I think the look of it turned out pretty cool. I think next time though, I'd just use my standard 'butter cake' receipe and then add food colouring. Still was worth a shot to try something new.

Next week we have to take cupcakes. I've got my tried and true, super dooper easy, never fail receipe, but should I try something new again? Anyone got a great receipe I could try?

Comments

[Michelle Whorwood]

Very cool trina! Can I ask what cake tins ou are using... Love that size...

[Hannah]

Your cake looks fantastic! I love how your flower turned out, and the glitter just "makes it".

This is my favourite cupcake recipe ... very versatile and very yummy!

Simple White Cake or Cupcakes

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla. Add flour and baking powder, and mix well. Stir in milk until batter is smooth.
Pour into a 9x9" cake pan or 12 cupcake cases.
Cook at 350F for 30-40 min (cake) or 20-25 min (cupcakes).

Simple White Icing

2 cups icing sugar
1/2 cup butter
1T milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients together. Beat on low speed to combine, then on medium speed for 5 min. Add extra milk to thin icing if too thick.

[Topkatnz]

Try Kremelta in your icing to keep it white. As a vege based shortening it tastes better - but not the same as butter of course:)

[mandyb]

YUM so happy to be coming to stay with you in like 10 days.....and yipeeeeeeeeeee i can be your taste tester!!! i will try ALL kinds of cakes!! and cupcakes....and slices!!! lol!!

[Angela]

I so wish I lived in Auckland, I'd love to do some of the courses Milly's offers. I love the pattern on the top of your cake. I sit on the fence with the whole stars thing, sometimes I love it, sometimes not.

I tagged you in a facebook pic, of a white icing cake I made recently (ala rainbow tall cake). Anyway, I'll let you in on a little secret........ purple colouring. Yep, a dot, and it really really is a dot, of purple food colouring, will take the yellow tinge away. Think of the colour wheel.

[Sally]

Well done Trina! Now I have a fair few recipe books for cupcakes {giggle} so let me know if you want me to look for anything. Made Annabell Langbein's choc cake the other day- it was divine! The recipe can be made as cupcakes- on her website. Looking fwd to seeing them, lucky you!

[Teryl McKenzie]

I did that Millys course with my sister last year Trina and loved it... have to agree with you on the Snocreme... enjoy! and look forward to future pics :)