Home-made cakes thread 2

Monkeymagic

I use the disposable lakeland ones and they are really good, so much easier to throw it away when you're done rather than have to wash it up I reckon. That said, they are quite expensive so next time round will be looking for an ebay alternative!
Right then you experts, i have made squillions of cupcakes in my time but not many 'proper cakes'. i have foolishly agreed to make birthday cake for my bosses parents :eek: by sunday :eek::eek:.
Last time i used Lindy Smiths madeira recipe but thought was a bit dry. I have seen some of you recommend the easy vanilla one with the sugar syrup so going to try that. I have decided to try a Wedgewood theme (never one to take the easy route), so will be doing some brush embroidery and piping with royal icing. Can i check I have got the order of things right. This is how I understand it:
1. make cake, drizzle syrup, cool, wrap, freeze
2. shape (cut off dome and crusty edge?), defrost? fill and crumb coat
3. back in fridge or can i put icing straight on after crumb coat?
4. cover with fondant. does this need to dry out a bit before i start piping on to it?
5. decorate
6. put in box, hand it over and breathe

does that look right and can anyone help with the question marks.
Thanks all

makeyourmummyproud

Hiya ladies! Is there anyone here who uses printer for cake designs?

If yes what brand/model are you using or recommend? Cos I'm thinking of getting one. Much better to hear from those who have used this before rather than do an impulse buying. Many thanks! x

Monkeymagic: sounds good to me. I reckon, defrost first before you cut the dome. Much better, chill the crumbed coat first before you put icing on it. I bet lovely ladies here can give you much better advise. x

Nanamia

Makeyourmummyproud you are a bad influence! I'm thinking I'll probably try and get to the show in November sounds like I should start a savings fund:) Can't help with the printer tho, I've no idea.

Picklepick welcome come on in and join us. You will easily get the hang of piping and think of all the yummy cakes you'll be forced to try whilst you are practicing:) I love the Lakeland bags too, think they're worth every penny. My local cake decorating shop sells individual ones off a roll but they work out much more expensive! Congratulations to you and Mr PP a very exciting time ahead:)

Monkeymagic I do a very similar schedule
Bake,drizzle,cool,wrap
Freeze(only if carving)
Carve,shape etc(by which time it's probably defrosted)
Slice in half, fill,crumb coat
Chill
Ice with fondant (leave couple hour/overnight)
Decorate
Breathe

Thanks Nat for the Paul Bradford info I've registered (to look at the free clips not for a subscription) looked at the freebies:) I'll have a look what's on YouTube next.

Madz2802 sorry I've not got a fave chocolate cake to recommend but one of these lovelies will be along shortly to help. I know somebody did recommend one to me a while ago but it's left my brain sorry:(

murie

I have lurked for a long time (just asked the odd question here and there) and can honestly say I am totally in awe of all the fantastic cakes you make- what a talented bunch!
I have dabbled with a few cupcakes which have turned out OK but i wanted to share the cake I have made for my little sisters wedding anniversary- I am chuffed with myself!

I have learnt a few things along the way- such as making sure I have enough icicng to cover the cake and not to roll it out too thin otherwise the chocolate gnache shows through-its all a learning curve!

How do I post pics tho? I've uploaded it to flicker but not sure how to share

makeyourmummyproud

Nanamia: hahaha. Not at all. xxx

Murie: welcome! Don't know in flickr but i bet same principle like in photobucket that you need to copy and paste the IMG code here. Good luck! x

murie

Here goes!

murie

Hooray! I did it!

The strips ,the balls along the base and the roses are pearlised (you cant really see it in the pic). The cake is ivory not white.

moosetastic

Murie, that cake looks fantastic! :T

Re Icing Bags - I use disposable ones from ebay - seller is classikool, you can get 10, 20, 50 or 100 on a roll and they are massive and really good quality. I use them all the time, just snip off the end, put my nozzle in and away I go. Heres a link - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150573884963?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I have just crumb coated my cake ready for the sugarpaste, and decorating it tomorrow night, ready for the lucky recepient on Friday. Its Disney Princess themed, and Ive made an icing plaque with Belle on it (its the little girls favourite princess!). Heres some pics - the plaque is coloured pink with lustre dust so its pearlised, and ive embossed flowers onto it before putting Belle on top.



I know its probably not the best looking Belle, but if it was perfect, I would work for Disney! LOL :rotfl: Finished cake pics will be put up as soon as its done, probably tomorrow.

makeyourmummyproud

Moosetastic, that's pretty cool! how did you make Belle? Did you trace it?

Most ladies here sell cakes. If you sell your cakes how much did you pay for health and safety?
What did the EHO checked when they visit your home? I know they are really strict. Many thanks...

Monkeymagic

Thanks for baking advice girls.
Murie, beautiful roses on your cake. Moosetastic, great icing plaque, my daughter is 6 and would love that, and thanks for ebay link, just ordered some of those, just the job.