Gum Paste Flowers and Lace Piping
Cake Decorating How-to Books in Review
If you have ever watched any of the food shows you have probably seen some of the incredible cake decorating ideas.
Have you ever wished you could learn how to make a beautifully decorated cake but lacked the knowledge for making gum paste flowers or create elaborate lace piping?
There are dozens of books out there that offer ideas and directions but which ones are really going to let you learn at home the amazing techniques used on cakes?
by Murdoch Books is a definitive resource for your library. This book has the most amazing section on making gum paste flowers and leaves. It breaks down each flower and leaf into a step by step guide that makes the beginner have the ability to create masterpieces. The photography is excellent and aides in making the instructions simplified. It walks you through directions for a large variety of flowers that are sure to wow. The lace piping section is small but gives you all the basics you need for creating original piping of your own. The Essential Guide to Cake Decorating also includes basic information about making cake and icing. There are sections to help you work with marzipan and chocolate as well. They even include information on layering cakes and have chapters to assist you with cakes for all of your special occasions. This book is truly one of the best on the market today.
The Essential Guide to Cake Decorating
Professional Cake Decorating by Toba Garrett, published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., is another must-have for your library. Professional Cake Decorating backs you right up to the basics, but quickly takes you well beyond. This resource guide teaches you how to pipe the most beautiful lettering as well as making delicate rosebuds you thought could only be made by a master chef. PCD is the perfect place to find the instructions for making your decorations look like hand embroidery or brush embroidery. The brush embroidery gives the look of delicate sheer fabric embroidered with floral motifs. Absolutely beautifully done, it gives you the ultimate guide for recreating the effects yourself. Toba Garrett is not only an excellent chef, she is able to translate the information into simple, understandable directions for even the beginner.
If you only have the ability to add a few books to your library, make sure it is these two. They complement one another and allow your own creativity to thrive. Both books will have value for the beginner as well as the advanced baker. You will find yourself going back to them over and over for direction and inspiration.
