Throughout the winter months in 2015, I decided to sign up to take a course in Cake Decorating at the local college. This was ideal for me, as it pushed my skills to the next level, I learned new techniques and I gained plenty handy tips from the tutor there.
So what did the Class teach me?
Before I came to the course, I was used to baking and creating art. I was taught to cook and bake right from when I was little, so a rolling pin wasn't a foreign concept to me! However, I was introduced to many new products, tips and techniques which has proven to be really helpful in my current bakes.
For example, I was introduced to 'Flower Paste' which is a much stiffer and stronger version of the normal 'Roll out icing' which enables you to create beautiful sugar flowers as you can roll it out much thinner.
Throughout the course, I was taught about the science behind creating the perfect buttercream and buttercream flowers, how to make quality royal icing, how to create professional looking 3D sugar figures, how to crimp and emboss sugar paste and a brilliant list of ways to make gorgeous sugar flowers.
For example, I was introduced to 'Flower Paste' which is a much stiffer and stronger version of the normal 'Roll out icing' which enables you to create beautiful sugar flowers as you can roll it out much thinner.
Throughout the course, I was taught about the science behind creating the perfect buttercream and buttercream flowers, how to make quality royal icing, how to create professional looking 3D sugar figures, how to crimp and emboss sugar paste and a brilliant list of ways to make gorgeous sugar flowers.
What did I find the hardest?
Even though they were my favourite to create, sugar flowers were (and still are!) my worst technique. It may be a problem with my patience!
However, practice makes perfect and I am now able to really appreciate the cakes adorned with sugar flowers, as I know how long it must have taken!!
However, practice makes perfect and I am now able to really appreciate the cakes adorned with sugar flowers, as I know how long it must have taken!!
Did it cost a lot?
Obviously the course itself cost a fair bit, but I really did think that the tools and materials would cost a lot more! I found that I could get most of the indgredients I needed from the major supermarkets like Sainsburys, and surprisingly, I found a lot of tools from places like Wilkinsons and TK Maxx. This cut down costs which then allowed me to spend a bit more on the types of materials that I would use often e.g. edible paints from Squires Kitchen, as I really enjoy hand painting cakes.
For information about the course I went to and how to sign up for yourself, click here.
To go to the amazing Squires Kitchen website, click here.
Photo is not my own. Click on the photo to go to the original site.
For information about the course I went to and how to sign up for yourself, click here.
To go to the amazing Squires Kitchen website, click here.
Photo is not my own. Click on the photo to go to the original site.