Ain't Nobody Here Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Brought my Christmas cake home today from school. The Home Economics teacher lets us use the kitchen after school and gives help or advice if needed (I'm not a confident baker at all ). She also has all the food colourings/pens which makes decorating it easier. Here it is: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 That's wonderful ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Brilliant BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 How lovely! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Wow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Wow, nice one. Did you make all the models yourself as well? I make my own cakes for birthdays and stuff but although they're nice and they look good, they never look professional. How did you get your icing so smooth? Mrs Bertie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggy Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 That looks fantastic... well done Mrs Bertie, I find the best way to a smooth finish is a thick layer of icing sugar, kneaded until very pliable but not so long it air-dries, and the magical touch of cake smoothers... I wouldn't be parted from my cake smoothers for anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 MMMM, looks lovely The Home Economics teacher I belive its a Food Technology Teacher nowadays Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 That's lovely my 13 year old daughter has made ours this year in cookery club, a group of students who were picked as able or very keen on food tech karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Fantastic! I want one of those!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted December 18, 2007 Author Share Posted December 18, 2007 Thanks everyone! I am quite pleased with it . How did you get your icing so smooth? I used ready to roll icing (& lots of icing sugar to stop it sticking) - roll it out larger than your cake then roll it onto your rolling pin so it's hanging over the top of the pin and drape onto your cake. Use sides (edges?) of your hands on the sides of the cake and turn it gradually till the icing is smooth round the sides then trim the edges with a sharp knife. Beware of fingerprints on the top of the cake . I did make the models myself but the teacher helped with the penguin shape (she makes it all look so effortless ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Bravo!! :clap: Reminds me I have to pour some more booze over mine hic! A xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 impressive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ziggy Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 I have been thinking of making a cake with my daughters for xmas... I am making a xmas pudding for DH and I, but the girls, as most kids I guess, don't like that... so thought of making a sponge cake with them, and letting them decorate it with my help... Would you mind if I copied your design? It would be smaller scale and obviously not as perfectly finished, but I think my daughters, aged 10, 8 and 5, would love to have your cake picture to copy from and get inspired by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted December 18, 2007 Author Share Posted December 18, 2007 Would you mind if I copied your design? I would be honoured! Go right ahead . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Thats brilliant! Well done, it does look very professional! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Lovely cake! I used to be a Cake Decorator but this year I've done one with nuts and cherries baked on the top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Wonderful - very creative! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 What a fabulous cake - I love it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyBoo Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 So, cake type people, how do you deal with the excess when you drape the icing over the cake? I end up with loads overhanging the corners and can never get it really smooth. What do you do, cut it off, smooth it over? I use ready to roll icing but i struggle to get he wrinkles smooth (have the same trouble with me face but still... ) Mrs Bertie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basset Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Well Done, you've made a fabulous cake. I'll have to show hubby the picture to give him ideas for decorating ours. This weekend I'm going to try making a Christmas gingerbread house with the children, I hope it turns out half as well as your lovely cake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Lovely cake. I'm dead jealous. I just use the flat of my hand to polish my cakes. Every now and again I manage to snag the icing with a fingernail though. A relative of mine who makes wedding cakes uses a muslin cloth to polish her cakes. If these cake smoother thingies are any good I may have to invest in one. I take it you'd recommend them then? Mrs Bertie, just smooth it down, chop it off and give it a good rub (your icing, not your face!). I find it easier with square cakes than with round ones. Then use the excess to make peppermint creams!! Love the icing penguins. They're fab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted December 18, 2007 Author Share Posted December 18, 2007 So, cake type people, how do you deal with the excess when you drape the icing over the cake? I end up with loads overhanging the corners and can never get it really smooth. What do you do, cut it off, smooth it over? I use ready to roll icing but i struggle to get he wrinkles smooth (have the same trouble with me face but still... ) Our Home Ec teacher has a great technique which I described earlier in the post but it's hard to put into words. When you've draped the icing over, it's kind of baggy at the corners. Rub the edges of your hands in icing sugar and use them to push the cake round and round, starting at the top then moving your hands round and down the sides gently and slowly. This pushes the icing into the sides and gives a nice smooth finish. Then trim the excess with a sharp knife and use the flat blade to push the icing in at the very bottom, where it meets the board. You don't have to touch the top at all if you use the rolling pin to drape it over. Listen to me, like I'm an expert . I very rarely do any baking at home and can't even ice fairy cakes without them looking like a toddler has done it . Sadly my boys are no longer toddlers, so I can't get away with blaming them . The only reason I've managed my Christmas cake is because I get practice by helping my kids at school make theirs, and I get step by step instructions from the teacher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 What a stunning cake? You could make yourself a pretty pound or two selling those! I think we would have all bought one from you. It's really gorgeous - weel done! Is that a snowglu I spy there?? Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 Is that a snowglu I spy there?? You've read my mind there Emma....I was just planning next years cake with couple of Eglu's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...