All about Cake Decoration

March 23rd, 2016

Cake decoration originated in Europe in the 17th century and really took off in the mid 1800’s. It is a part of sugar art which uses frosting or icing and other edible decorative items to add to the visual beauty of plain cakes. Cakes can be sculpted or moulded to resemble things and persons, all in 3 dimensions.

 Cakes are decorated especially for special occasions like weddings and birthdays. They may mark religious or national holidays or used for promotion of certain companies and businesses. But nowadays cakes are decorated for no reason at all and add to the value of cake delivery to a loved one.

Some of the common materials for decorating cakes are:

  • Fondants: They are ready roll icing made of sugar paste, found in many colours and is easy to handle and soft in its original form. Professionals and amateurs are able to mould fondant in many artistic forms. Fondant is used to cover cakes and to fashion individual show pieces.
  • Royal Icing: It is a white, soft icing made by whipping together icing sugar with fresh egg whites. It provides well defined edges for icing and is perfect for piping detailed and fine borders, lace work and scroll work on cakes. It takes a very hard form and stays fresh if frozen in a dry, cool place. But it will wilt and soften in face of high humidity.
  • Marzipan: It is used for creating cake decorations and as a base layer below fondant. It is made of almond paste.
  • Gum paste: Renowned as florist paste, it is a brittle, edible material that dries quickly. It can be used to create sculpted art like flowers or other moulded designs.
  • Photos on edible sheets: Invention of non-toxic printing material and inks in 1990’s, led to the printing of images and photographs onto edible sheets for decorating cakes.

 The tools of cake making have now become increasingly available for the general public. Stages of decoration are as follows:

  • Designing and planning of cakes: This depends on the context and occasion for which the cake is being planned. The nature of the vent (birthday/wedding) and number of guests are important factors. Cakes can be big or small, rectangular or circular. They can be layered by using dowel rods to secure each layer.
  • Covering a cake: After you bake the cake, the first step is to decide on how to cover the cake. Butter cream icing (butter and sugar) is a classic choice. The first coat using a spatula is called as crumb coat. After this, a finer second coat can be applied. In this different shapes like petals can be used. Ganache (cream and chocolate) can be made into a glaze and poured over the cake. Rolled fondant (corn syrup, sugar and water) is another item growing popular.
  • Cake decoration: Now is the turn to convert the cake into a work of art. Sprinkles like non-pareils and jimmies are the simple choice. One can also do piping with butter cream icing, chocolate and royal icing. Tools include disposable and re-usable couplers and pastry bags. One can also etch patterns on top of cakes using stencils. One can also garnish cakes with edible flowers and fresh fruits.

 These are some aspects about cake decoration. If you still find cake decoration too much to handle, you can order for online cake delivery. It will be much appreciated.

Make Your Store Bought Cake A Master Piece!

March 22nd, 2016

You could have baked the cake deliciously irresistible, but you should also take extreme care to attract the audience. Unless the cake looks appealing to the eyes, you can’t expect someone to come forward to grab a piece of it. Here under, we present you a few cake decorating tips which makes your store bought cakes look amazing.

Icing sugar: If you are looking for a something simple, risk free and effective decorative method, consider icing sugar.  Create various templates by dusting it onto the cakes. When you have to deal with large cakes or cup cakes, prepare a paste of this icing by adding water before the cake delivery. If the cake isn’t cool enough, there are good chances that the icing sugar would melt.

Butter cream: The major ingredients for this cake decoration are milk, flavored extract, icing sugar and butter. The flexibility offered by the butter cream to turn it into a variety of flavors and colors has fetched it huge popularity. You can also use it as a frosting by just swapping. Add some icing sugar, if you find the butter cream too loose.

Marshmallows: This is one of the best techniques, which can turn your simple cake into a master piece. On a low heat, gently melt down the mash mallows and then pour on top of your cake. In this case, make sure you don’t over heat them. The price of mash mallows is also affordable.

Fondant cakes: If you are skilled in cake decoration, prefer decorating cakes with fondant. This is one of most preferred means of decoration in personalized cakes. As long as you preserve the cake in an air tight container, it is a safe option for you. Stick to a classic type, in the online cake ordering process.

Chocolates and sweets: It’s not going to be an easy task to impress the little kids in terms of cakes. However, you have chocolates and sweets, which hardly let you down in this aspect. You can use the sweets to cover the whole cake, prepare a pattern or align to read a name.  The sweet masses stand as the top most attraction. Before placing the sweets, cover the cake with melted chocolate or butter cream.

Desiccated coconut: Coconut works well for both baking and decorating the cake. This is one of the healthier options when compared to other sweets and sugar products. All that you have to do is, cover the cake with butter and then press coconut onto it. Being lighter in weight, it can be used for a variety of flavors.

Fruit: If you have made your decision to decorate the cake with fruits, you have numerous options to choose from raspberries to dried resins. It is a perfect taste of summer and looks refreshing. You can also try using seasonal fruits. If you are adding fresh fruits, do it at the last minute.

Written message: A written message can make the cake extra special and also compensates for other minor flaws. It is the first step of personalizing a cake. You can use icing, edible art pens or cake decorating stamps to craft your message on the cake.

The skill of decorating cakes will be a great asset for you in special occasions like birthdays, Christmas or any other occasion worth celebrating.

Top Reasons Why You Can’t Say A ‘No’ To Cakes

March 21st, 2016

Cakes have always been a part of our celebrations since ages. If you are someone, who eats cakes a lot, you are actually doing a great job. Here under we present you the reasons why you should include more cakes into your diet. After reading this, you can’t stop yourself from ordering a cake delivery!

Be popular:

Cakes can make you become popular! Wondering how? Cakes help you to build stronger relationships and make friends easily. It is scientifically proven that cakes induce the feeling of togetherness among the cake eaters. Cakes can help you to recognize yourself and lets the world to recognize you.

Lose weight:

Chocolate cakes help you to lose weight. It makes you feel full and kills your desire for other foods. In this context, you should know the right ways of eating the cake. Having it for breakfast is an ideal way of consuming it. It also helps you to spend more time in your workout sessions.

Anti-oxidation:

Certain cakes also promote anti oxidation in our body. The oxidation process is capable of causing enough damage to the vital body organs. Cakes provide enough flavanols to our body which promote anti-oxidation. In this process, nitric oxide is released which relaxes the arteries. It prevents clogging of arteries and promotes blood flow.

Energy:

The major ingredients of cakes are flour and sweeteners, which are rich sources of carbohydrates. It provides us enough energy to carry out our regular activities. It helps in functioning of brain, muscles and nervous system. Cakes also contain smaller quantities of fat, which are also good energy sources. Getting cakes delivered regularly is a good sign of healthy food habits.

Body building:

The milk and eggs used in baking of cakes are good sources of proteins. Higher protein intake ensures growth in muscle mass. We can obtain calcium through the milk, which can strengthen our Skelton system and teeth. Apart from these nutrients, cakes are also capable of producing strengthening our immune system and making us resistant to diseases.

Improved digestion:

As already stated cakes which are made out of fruits are good sources of fiber. Apples, berries, pine apples and strawberries are extensively used in baking fruit cakes. Lack of fiber rich food promotes constipation. Fiber also reduces the risk of heart diseases.

Eggless cakes:

Eggs are definitely the popular ingredients in baking cakes. If you are someone who doesn’t have cakes just because you hate eggs, it’s time for you to change your stand on cakes. The evolution of eggless cakes has increased the fan base of cakes like never before. Today, we can find numerous cake recipes and newer ones are coming up every day. We can customize the cakes to meet our own needs. There is every chance that you can find cake which best fits your taste.

Cakes have always been a part of our lifestyle. Be it a marriage, birthday or any other moment where you have to celebrate, you can’t miss out the cakes. Always be in search of the ways where you can include the cakes in your food.

How to make your farm party a grand success?

March 17th, 2016

Celebrating a special day or moment in your life is very important. But, making sure that the celebration doesn’t become boring and common is also important. Everyone has a party at home and everyone serves food in great chinaware. How can you make your party exciting and unique? Plan a farm party and your celebration will be remembered and talked about for years to come.

People are fed up with the hustle bustle of city life. Everyone wants to escape into nature and spend time in a serene place. Farms are the best places to stay connected with the plants and animals. If you are having a party this summer, host it at your farm, and you are sure to have some old fashioned fun.

Hosting a farm party can be tricky, but you plan right, you are in for a great time. Here are a few tips on hosting a successful farm party –

  • Finding a good location is very important. If you own a farm, then half the job is done. If you do not own a farm, you can always ask a friend if you could host a small party in their farm. I bet no true friend is going to say no to some enjoyment.
  • After finding the farm, plan where you are going to seat your friends, where you will serve the food and where you are going to have the games and other fun activities. You can seat your friends under shady trees and have the buffet in the barn. Just make sure you clean all the places before hand to avoid last minute panic.
  • Do not forget to order a farm themed cake and give the exact address for the cake delivery guy to arrive on time.
  • If possible have a barbeque set up in your farm. It is going to take your party into another level.
  • To decorate the place, use farm items and keep the concept as rustic as possible. Avoid using colour papers, balloons and cardboards. Use table clothes, wooden crates and fresh flowers to decorate the place. Keep the decoration minimum to make it look realistic.
  • Use berry picking baskets as serving trays, wire baskets to keep the breads and milk tins to serve drinks. These small details will make your party a grand success.
  • Let the food be rustic too. Serve fresh milk, fresh fruit juice and wine. Chicken chops, lamb chops, fresh cream with strawberries, fruits handpicked from the farm, all these can make a wonderful spread. You can have cotton candies for the children. It will be super exciting. As a memento, you can order little farm animals shaped cakes gifts for every guest.
  • Make sure you have tied up or locked all the farm animals as they can cause mishaps when your guests arrive

Farms are the perfect venue to host children’s birthday parties, success parties and get-togethers. You can have a slight escape from the busy schedule that you live in the city. Farms can be refreshing and your guests will have the time of their life.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Chocolate Cake

February 17th, 2016

If you are baking a chocolate cake for a special occasion, you will want to do everything to make it perfect. After you make a perfect cake, you will be ready for cake delivery.

cake delivery

 Luscious chocolate cake will melt in everyone’ mouth provided you take care of certain details:

  • Use high-quality cocoa: Try to use the best cocoa powder in the market. For a better flavour for the cake, go in for chocolate of a darker colour. But you must ascertain the ingredients are pure: the cocoa must not contain sugar- lest it spoils your measurements.
  • Quality of chocolate: The quality of the finished chocolate cake will depend on the quality of the chocolate used as ingredient. This is especially true of chocolate utilized as decoration.  By investing in more costly chocolate, your cake will turn out more delicious.
  • Preparation of tin: Remember to double line your cake tin with parchment paper. This prevents cake from drying out and helps the cake turn moist.
  • To enhance flavour: Add a half teaspoon of sea salt which will improve the flavour of the cocoa as well as balance the extra sweetness of the cake.
  • Adding chocolate: Chocolate that is coarsely grated produce a strangely mottled result and will not melt in the cake as smoothly as one expects. For a better result, one can combine melted chocolate and cocoa powder.
  • Fat content: Butter gives a tasty, rich flavour. Sometimes, milk and water are added to the batter. Milk will make the cake attractively soft.
  • Dry ingredients: Flour is the main choice but some use ground almond for a rich, marzipanny flavour. Also, essential are raising agents. You can use whisked egg whites or baking powder or baking soda bicarbonate or a combination of both. For sugar, most popular choice is fine caster sugar. Granulated sugar and dark Muscovado can be used for deep caramel flavour.
  • Added flavours: Some of these are vanilla, coffee or cinnamon.
  • Timing is key: You must pay strict attention to timings of your cake. This is vital if you don’t want your cake to dry out; you must prevent over-baking.
  • Keep away from door: Do not open door of oven till the timer goes off. It determines the difference between a great cake and an imperfect one.
  • Add fillings: Add fillings generously and take care to compensate the sumptuousness of chocolate cake with fillings of contrasting and exciting flavour.
  •  Cool away: After the cake has cooled, cover it with cling film and let it set overnight. This makes the cake easy to cut and serve next morning.
  • Try experimenting: Add some fun to the baking process. Use different textures while icing. You can contrast smooth and soft Ganache with crunchy cocoa nibs, to improve the experience of eating.
  • Make in large quantity: Don’t restrict yourself to making just one cake. Chocolate cakes disappear by the second and one will never be enough. Make enough so that everyone gets a slice or two to munch on with their tea. One can also opt for cakes delivery after one has perfected the art of baking.

These are some tips to make the perfect chocolate cake.