1,000 Ideas for Decorating Cupcakes, Cookies & Cakes (1000 Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)This was an interesting journey that surprised me in that, thinking that there might be some tutorials to go along with the photo's, this is instead literally 1000 photographs of cakes and cookies and cupcakes.
Within the covers of this paperback book are full-page or half-page or quarter-page photographs of cookies, cakes, and cupcakes that will definitely inspire. Under each photo is the name of the person that created the baked delight. Though some of these credits will be just the names of the decorators, some will have the accompanying website that you can access for further idea's. If you do go to the websites offered, there you will find more photo's along with some beautiful tutorials and/or instruction as well as more information on the decorator. So with a little extra effort, your journey will take you to many parts of the world to learn more on the photo's that piqued your interest. Each photo is full color with wonderful detail.
The book is set as such:
First there are 5 sections of groupings that showcase each set of pictures and each photo has an accompanying number.
Elegant Entertaining
Baby and Child
Holiday
Just for Fun
Weddings and Engagements
After the above groupings, the next section is "Frosting Recipes" for:
Meringue Buttercream
Simple Buttercream
Gananche
Royal Icing
2 Recipes for Fondant (as well as amounts needed to cover cakes)
Gumpaste
Marzipan
The next section of the book is labeled "Image Directory" and this is where you look up the number of the photo which is accompanied by a very short description of the baked good, which might include what type of frosting used or cookie cutter, etc.
The last section of the book is the "Contributor Directory" which lists each of the bakers and decorators, in alphabetical order, with their websites and contact information.
I think that this is a lovely book, especially for beginners, to help your decorating interest but understand that it is not a teaching book. You will have to be more of a detective with this book in that you need to check out the websites offered, which may or may not include specifics, but which will put you in contact with the artists. For those with advanced skills, perhaps you would like to look at other authors/books. Peace.

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A sugar-coated feast for the eyes and the imagination—this exciting 1,000 collection presents glorious full-color photographs of beautiful, outrageous, and deliciously decorated desserts, from extravagant wedding and birthday cakes to cupcakes and cookies that are miniature works of art.
Like all of the books in our 1,000 series, this is not an instructional book, rather, it is a visual showcase designed to provide endless inspiration for anyone who loves decorative baking and entertaining.

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Wilton Pure White Rolled Fondant, 1-Pound 8-Ounce Review

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(More customer reviews)I've used Wilton fondant three times now, and each time it was incredibly easy to use. It takes color well, it rolls easily and it's a champ as far as holding up and not cracking or drying too quickly. So why does it get such poor reviews? TASTE! Absolutely horrible taste. When I used Wilton (the first fondant I ever tried) I thought hey, maybe I just hate fondant. I then tried Satin Ice a few weeks ago, and the difference was incredible. Satin Ice, however, is only sold at a few locations, mostly east-coast, so despite its low cost you'll pay just about as much for the fondant as you will in shipping charges. I recently discovered an alternative that takes blends the ease of use of the Wilton fondant with the taste of the Satin Ice - I made my own! It's an incredibly easy recipe with only three ingredients - marshmallows, water and confectioner's sugar. You can also add in orange or vanilla extract for added flavor. Making your own fondant is cheap, easy and it tastes very good. Recipe is easily found online (I didn't create it so I don't want to post it here). I recommend skipping the Wilton fondant and making your own!

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Cake Decorating at Home Review

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(More customer reviews)Bravo to Ms. Clark on her cake decorating book debut! An experienced cake decorator but new to the publishing field, Zoe Clark has hit a home run with her first foray into the field of teaching and writing. This 128 page, soft cover book is quite a thorough class in the basics of cake decorating and through simple, yet well-written direction, she will take anyone from a novice or an intermediate cake decorator, and teach them well.
And it all seems to have started after she created and baked her own wedding cake back in 2005. From there she went off to work with top UK cake designers then opened her own shop in 2008. The projects will be challenging enough for the beginner and intriging enough for the intermediate decorator. Those with either high-level or professional-level talent will find this a wonderful reference guide for those they teach.
This book has been identified for the home decorator and so the projects would be those that are basic but still pretty and elegant. And the family can definitely be involved in the projects as some are quite simple and any extra hands in the kitchen when preparing cakes and such, are always welcome!
While there are 10 actual cake projects to enjoy, Ms. Clark begins the book with a solid Introduction and solid Conclusion of this work. There are bountiful photo's both close-up and distant, and while there aren't detailed step-by-step pictorials, you have all the visuals you need. I was very impressed with the amount of detail she put into the "Basic Techniques" section; she covered everything and this was definitely one of the better books in this area. It is sectioned as such:
INTRODUCTION
BAKING ESSENTIALS and GENERAL EQUIPMENT
CREATIVE TOOLS
BASIC TECHNIQUES: Preparing cake tins/layering, filling and preparing cakes to be covered/carving and sculpting the cake/covering with marzipan and sugarpaste/working with shaped cakes/ using icing boards/securing ribbon around cake boards/assembling tiered cakes/cake stands/mini-cake assembly/baking cupcakes/decorating cupcakes/fondant-dipped cupcakes/petit fours/baking cookies/covering ccokies with sugarpaste/royal iced cookies/run-out icing/drop-in flooding/making a piping bag/working with flowerpaste/coloring icings.
BASIC CAKE RECIPES: This was a wonderful section with several charts to help with determining cake size, ingredient amounts, filling amounts, portions, etc. Of course, there are the recipes for Classic Sponge Cake, Chocolate Cake, White Chocolate Cake, Fruit Cake, flavoring, fillings, buttercream, and sugar syrups.
THE PROJECTS: With each project, she also gives you "theme" ideas which add just the right touch!
1) Daisy Chain Days: Cover photo of a mini daisy cake beset by surrounding daisy cupcakes; fresh and clean; just right for a Springtime celebration!
2) Baby's Special Sewing Box: A patchwork cake that at first, seemed difficult in how to piece the fondant together but when studied, is quite easy. The pastel colors are enchanting, with the addition of fondant stars and hearts and circles, and the use of a stitching tool to make "seams" makes this a mighty fetching "quilt" for baby!
3) A Birthday in Technicolor: A 2-tiered chocolate birthday cake with lollipop cookies and fondant streamers gently placed on the cake. The matching cupcakes are bedecked with stars and sprinkles to coordinate the colors.
4) Summer Seaside Celebration: This was adorable! A pale blue "sand pail" cake with seashells and starfish on the top of the brown sugar sand! Seashell cookies, bikini cookies, and frangipane blooms finish the scene. She placed the sand pail atop a white cake pedestal; how beautiful!!
5) Cherry Blossom Breeze: Now this one was my favorite and making the cherry blossoms was a breeze, yet they were so delicate and fragile looking, that is was a joy to make these; the petals are one shape of 3 descending sizes, stacked upon each other with the edges of each petal trimmed in edible gold dust. The cake was one of the simplest in which you have 2 graduated square cakes, stacked, with their bases wrapped in a wide fondant ribbon. These ribbons are covered with simple shades of the pink/red color family of dainty little flowers. The cherry blossoms come in as the 2 large main ornaments, each placed on one tier. Matching petit fours and lantern cookies complete the presentation. Very elegant but dramatic!
6) A Magical Tea Party: This will be the most fun to make!! An "Alice in Wonderland" party complete with a Mad Matter Cake as well as a Wonky Cake with a Teacup atop! Teapot and teacup cookies make this perfect for any little girl!
7) Dressed All in White: Ethereal!! Floating tiers hold a square wedding cake of 3 graduated tiers covered in ivory fondant, and with the use of cel boards, white "lace" is applied to the cakes with delicate scalloped edges. The placement of mini cakes, with delicate butterflies perched atop as if ready to fly away, as well as wedding cake cookies, made this photo a dream!
8) A Secret Garden Party: This was amazing to behold! So simple in its construction but just breathtaking in its presentation. A white dome-shaped "birdcage" all in white with brown fondant "wrought-iron" strips with scroll designs at the bottom of the cage, begins this project. A pastel pink royal icing bird is perched on one of the scrolls as tiny, delicate pink and white roses are scattered all about the cage. Birdcage cookies and domed cupakes in silver liners and pastel icing, toped with larger roses, and "wrought-iron" icing from center to edge of the cupcake, complete this dream of an idea.

9) A Gift-Wrapped Christmas: This would be the crown jewel centerpiece of your Christmas sweet table. 2 graduated boxes, one in white fondant and the other in red, wrapped in fondant ribbons and bows with tiny holly, berries, and polka dots! Festive Christmas trees and candy cane cookies would welcome Santa anytime!
10) Dressing Up Box: This was quite different in its conception and design. 3 white, graduated round cakes with each layer being decorated either in white chocolate panels, ruffles, or scalloped trim at the base. The theme is black and white (with a single pink rose on top the cake) and while it is more modern in thought, it is rather impressive in sight. Shoe cookies and mini cakes matching the various layers is quite eye-catching.
Templates and Suppliers
Acknowledgements and Zoe's story
Index
I was very much impressed with this book, perhaps because I so much enjoy the delicacy and femininity of the projects. The colors were all joyous and enchanting. But the real pull for me was the manner in which Ms. Clark taught and the attention to how best to get her ideas across without too much fuss or unnecessary detail. I admit to not having started on any one cake just yet but I have enjoyed doing the side projects offered. Nonetheless, this one is a keeper. Peace!

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Cake decorating is creative, fun and easy to learn, and this book proves that you shouldn?t save your cake decorating ideas just for birthday and weddings! Over 30 designs for cakes, cupcakes, minicakes and cookies allow you to make sweet treats for friends and family all year round; the featured cake decorating techniques suit all skill levels.

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Starting A Cake Business: How To Start A Cake Decorating Business Review

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(More customer reviews)The first red flag with this book is that the font is like size 18. I'm an adult, not a 5 year old. I can read with big-girl sized letters. Once you actually read it, it sounds more like a high school report (including several grammatical errors). It supplies vague information that is not useful to anyone. Here is one of my favorites when talking about purchasing cake pans:
"Try to get quality pans, talk to other professionals or do some research online if you aren't sure which ones to buy."
Seriously? I would think cake pans are some pretty fundamental building blocks for a cake business, but that's all you have to say? No suggestions on brands? No thoughts on dimensions or material? I'm glad she took the time to tell you to ask other professionals, because clearly she is not one.
"If you have issues with your oven, buy a new one."
Wow. No, really, that's about all she has to say about that. That's 1 of the 4 sentences in the paragraph involving ovens.
If you want to start your own cake decorating business, don't waste your money on this book. Invest in a solid, general home-based business book. Invest in cake decorating books. "... talk to other professionals or do some research online ..." instead of getting this book.

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This book is about starting a cake business. Learn how to set up your cake baking and cake decorating business, including marketing, lowering your taxes and organizing your business. It also reveals "insider" baking secrets, professional baking tips, and special ways to easily make more money. Time management secrets and a unique action plan are also provided to you.

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Wilton Fondant Book Review

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(More customer reviews)I really love this book as a beginner. I'm currently taking the fondant and gum paste course by Wilton. This book is a great progression from what you learn in the course. Many of the ideas are doable from the beginner level and of course they throw in some extremely impressive designs that are for someone who is more advanced or looking for a challenge. I'm very glad I took the course because Wilton does some things that don't make a whole lot of sense when your following their instructions. Like they will tell you to use a leave shaped cutter to cut out a peice of gum paste then they will tell you to roll it into a ball (seems silly to use the shape but the shape is the amount of gum pasted you needed via Wilton world). Overall some great ideas and well written.

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Cake Decorating For Dummies Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are new to cake decorating then you will love this book. Its covers great topics such as decorating tips, transporting your cake, how to cut your cake and even gives you some great receipes too.

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Create wedding, shower, holiday, and festive kids' cakesEasy at-home instruction for making and decorating fabulous cakesWant to make beautiful cakes? This fun, instructive guide gives you simple techniques for creating cakes for all celebrations. You get expert advice in all the basics -- from baking to icing to decorating with style. You'll also find delicious foolproof recipes, great ideas for themed cakes, and savvy tips for starting a cake decorating business!Discover how to:* Find ingredients and supplies* Make a cake from scratch* Use frostings and fillings* Cut and serve a cake* Troubleshoot cake catastrophes* Master creative techniques

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Picture Yourself Decorating Cakes Review

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(More customer reviews)I checked this book out from my local library and I'm glad I did, because I would not be willing to pay for this book. The pictures are helpful for learning techniques, but I had huge issues with the recipes included in the book. At the beginning, it offers a fairly detailed, scientific description of the ingredients that go into a cake and what you should look for in the grocery store. This depth is completely missing from the recipes. The instructions are incomplete or not descriptive enough (a pat of butter? This is baking- not cooking! Accurate measurements are important!) and it doesn't tell you how long to let things cool before moving onto steps like taking the cake out of the pan and cutting it into layers. I tested out the Boston Creme Pie recipe and ended up with soupy creme filling instead of the very thick creme it should be. The chocolate ganache recipe included in the book (for the sole purpose of this one cake) made a huge amount of topping. They should have said it doesn't use the whole recipe or just halved the original recipe. Not impressed by this book at all!

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From birthday parties, to baby showers, to holiday dinners, cakes play a special and delicious part in each celebration. Whether you have dabbled in cake baking and decorating before or you have never attempted to create a cake from scratch, "Picture Yourself Decorating Cakes" will introduce you to the pleasures of creating an edible work of art in your kitchen to share with family and friends. This primer on cake decorating includes recipes, methods, and tips that show you step-by-step how to bake and frost cakes that not only taste good but look beautiful. Full-color photographs illustrate each step of the cake creation process, including the ingredients to buy, the basic tools you will need, baking secrets, and decorating techniques from the simply striking to professional quality. Learn how to create cakes for a variety of occasions using buttercream, cream cheese, royal, and fondant icings. And if you want to take your cake decorating to a more advanced level, follow along with the accompanying DVD as co-author Linda Shonk shows you how to apply and mold her Choco-Pan fondant frosting into beautiful flowers and other designs to crown your cake with. Discover how fun and easy it is to create tasty and stunning cakes, cupcakes, petits fours, and more with "Picture Yourself Decorating Cakes!"

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Cakes to Inspire and Desire Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this book with very high hopes, because Lindy's cakes are so spectacular. However, I was a little disappointed. Her specialty is the wonky cakes like the one on the cover, but I found her instructions were pretty sparse. I have learned more about how to put together wonky cakes from free online tutorials than from the info in this book. I also think the photography was insufficient. All of the photos of the wonky cake construction are shown from the top, looking down on the top of the cake. This isn't helpful in seeing how the wonky cake is supposed to look from the side.
There are only 2 recipes included, one for chocolate cake and one for madeira. Both recipes are presented in chart form (use this amount of ingredients for this size cake) with another chart for fruit additions.
There are lots of instructions for using "cake jewelry" (wire and beading to decorate the cakes) and specialty cookie cutters that look great but are also an unbelievable amount of work.
There are complete decorating instructions for 15 different cakes in 3 categories: round, square and creative (odd shapes).
All of the cakes are gorgeous, but most look extremely intimidating to try to make. But the title of this book is "Cakes to Inspire and Desire", not "Cakes to Whip Up in a Few Minutes". And they certainly do inspire!

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*Written by a popular and experienced cake designer *Range of techniques and skill levels ensures broad appeal *Lindy's other best-selling titles include Celebrate with a Cake (28,000copies sold) and Party Animal Cakes (20,000 copies sold) Readers will discover a collection of 15 truly inspirational anddeceptively simple celebratory cakes, each with a modern and distinctivefinish. Lavish colour photographs display a unique variety of traditionaland contemporary styles from florals and frills to stripes and beadwork. Each cake is accompanied by exquisite mini-cakes to put a creative twist onthe main theme, or to make as an alternative when time is short. Chaptersare divided by shape, showing how a simple square or round design can bethe basis for the most desirable of cakes.

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