Sweeter Than Sweet - Baby Shower Cakes
By Gracie May
Babies babies babies
More popular than ever at these baby party gatherings are Baby
shower cakes. Specially designed baby shower cakes go down
really well if added with personal touches, this can be with
baby's name, Mummy or Daddy's, even candles and toys. We all
know cake is a delight to eat so why not make you baby shower
cake extra delightful by adding a theme to suit you and baby.
It is a good idea for mum-to-be when out shopping for a baby
showers cake is to have in mind what she wants before visiting
the bakery. Flavour is important in a baby shower cake; a good
idea is to stick with a sponge covered in cream. The reason
being is should the cake be rich and filled with marzipan then
this may not be to everyone's taste, but with surrounding other
small dainties of different flavours then surely all will be
pleased.
The cake centre piece will be the main attraction for
attracting attention from the guests. Baby shower cakes are
designed solely for this and are made more pretty for baby's day
Baby shower cakes are known to some as diaper/baby cakes' what
is the difference? The actual Baby shower cake is a cake that
can either be homemade or bought from the bakery. While 'diaper
cakes' are baby shower basketfuls of goodies containing more
diapers (not for human consumption).
Homemade baby shower cakes are baked in the same way as any
other cake the only difference is more goes into the baby cake
as in i.e. creating those personal little touches that mean so
much.
Quality bakers who specialize in designer cakes are the best to
approach, this way a guarantee of cake freshness appetizing and
pretty to look at as eye candy. When you shop for baby shower
cakes make sure to do this in advance in order to get the right
cake for the baby shower party. Bakeries that cater for baby
shower parties are normally very busy. The flavour for your
chosen cake is most probally where you may experience problems
because of the wide variety of choice. Marzipan, currants,
sultanas are ingredients for rich mixes and I hasten to add not
to everyones taste. If baking your own opt for the simple sponge
cake, how you tart it up as in i.e. decoration is a different
matter.
Select the right cake to give ending to the sweetest beginning.
(Baby)
About the Author: If this day is to be remembered for as long
as ever after then be sure to browse this fabulous site for
fantastic ideas/themes. All you could possibly want to announce
baby's presence can found here at
http://www.good-baby-showers.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=32367&ca=Family+Concerns
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Halloween Cakes – Centerpiece And Dessert
Halloween Cakes – Centerpiece And Dessert
By Susanne Myers
A Halloween cake is not only the perfect dessert for any
Halloween party and a must have for someone with a birthday on
or around October 31st, but also makes a great center piece for
your food table if you are throwing any type of Halloween party.
Here are two simple, yet impressive Halloween cakes that you can
try this year.
Pumpkin Cake
No, we are not taking about a pumpkin flavored cake, but a
light colored cake that looks like a pumpkin when you’re
finished decorating it.
You will need 3 box mixes of white or yellow cake mix along
with the additional ingredients like oil and eggs the box calls
for. Prepare the batter as directed. Pour it into two bunt pans
and bake according to the package directions. Allow the cake to
cool completely.
Meanwhile, combine two to three cans of vanilla frosting in a
bowl. You can probably make do with two cans, but if you prefer
being able to work out any unevenness, or fix fingerprints made
in there by little hands (what child can resist tasting
frosting?), go with three cans.
Add enough red and yellow food coloring to the frosting mixture
to turn it bright orange. Spread some of the frosting only on
the flat side one of the cooled bunt cakes. Set the other one on
top of it flat side down. You have a pumpkin shape. Use the rest
of frosting mixture to frost the entire cake.
Use black icing to draw a carved pumpkin design on the cake.
Some triangular shapes for the eyes and nose, as well as a large
half moon shape will do the trick.
Spider Cake
Start with a boxed mix of devil’s food cake (or your favorite
chocolate cake mix). Prepare the batter and bake it in two round
pans according to the package instructions. Let it cool on a
rack.
Scoop 2 cans of vanilla frosting into a large bowl and add
enough green and yellow food coloring to turn it into a nice
spooky green color. Spread a layer of frosting in between the
two cake rounds. Use the rest to frost the entire outside of the
cake.
Use black icing to draw a spider web on the top of the cake.
Start by drawing lines across the top. Imagine the top of the
cake is a clock. Draw a line from 12 to 6, then one from 9 to 3.
Fill in the spaces with two more lines each. Then start working
on the circles starting in the center of the cake and working
your way out toward the edges of the cake.
Take a chocolate muffin, cut off the bottom and frost the
entire top of it with chocolate frosting. Roll it frosted side
down in chocolate sprinkles and place it in the center of the
spider web on the cake. Add four pieces of black licorice to
each side as legs.
Now all you’ll need is a spooky costume and you will be ready
for an impressive Halloween party.
About the Author: Would you like to quickly make creative
Halloween costumes that you and your children will be proud of
-- for a fraction of the price of store-bought? Susanne Myers
has co-authored a book to show you how -- no sewing involved.
Visit http://www.ILoveHalloweenCostumes.com to learn more.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=75635&ca=Food+and+Drinks
By Susanne Myers
A Halloween cake is not only the perfect dessert for any
Halloween party and a must have for someone with a birthday on
or around October 31st, but also makes a great center piece for
your food table if you are throwing any type of Halloween party.
Here are two simple, yet impressive Halloween cakes that you can
try this year.
Pumpkin Cake
No, we are not taking about a pumpkin flavored cake, but a
light colored cake that looks like a pumpkin when you’re
finished decorating it.
You will need 3 box mixes of white or yellow cake mix along
with the additional ingredients like oil and eggs the box calls
for. Prepare the batter as directed. Pour it into two bunt pans
and bake according to the package directions. Allow the cake to
cool completely.
Meanwhile, combine two to three cans of vanilla frosting in a
bowl. You can probably make do with two cans, but if you prefer
being able to work out any unevenness, or fix fingerprints made
in there by little hands (what child can resist tasting
frosting?), go with three cans.
Add enough red and yellow food coloring to the frosting mixture
to turn it bright orange. Spread some of the frosting only on
the flat side one of the cooled bunt cakes. Set the other one on
top of it flat side down. You have a pumpkin shape. Use the rest
of frosting mixture to frost the entire cake.
Use black icing to draw a carved pumpkin design on the cake.
Some triangular shapes for the eyes and nose, as well as a large
half moon shape will do the trick.
Spider Cake
Start with a boxed mix of devil’s food cake (or your favorite
chocolate cake mix). Prepare the batter and bake it in two round
pans according to the package instructions. Let it cool on a
rack.
Scoop 2 cans of vanilla frosting into a large bowl and add
enough green and yellow food coloring to turn it into a nice
spooky green color. Spread a layer of frosting in between the
two cake rounds. Use the rest to frost the entire outside of the
cake.
Use black icing to draw a spider web on the top of the cake.
Start by drawing lines across the top. Imagine the top of the
cake is a clock. Draw a line from 12 to 6, then one from 9 to 3.
Fill in the spaces with two more lines each. Then start working
on the circles starting in the center of the cake and working
your way out toward the edges of the cake.
Take a chocolate muffin, cut off the bottom and frost the
entire top of it with chocolate frosting. Roll it frosted side
down in chocolate sprinkles and place it in the center of the
spider web on the cake. Add four pieces of black licorice to
each side as legs.
Now all you’ll need is a spooky costume and you will be ready
for an impressive Halloween party.
About the Author: Would you like to quickly make creative
Halloween costumes that you and your children will be proud of
-- for a fraction of the price of store-bought? Susanne Myers
has co-authored a book to show you how -- no sewing involved.
Visit http://www.ILoveHalloweenCostumes.com to learn more.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=75635&ca=Food+and+Drinks
New Trends In Wedding Cakes
New Trends In Wedding Cakes
By Michelle Davis
Gone are the days of plain-vanilla cakes with butter cream
frosting and red roses. While there is nothing wrong with a
simple, more old fashioned cake, the trends are getting a bit
more zany with many new flavors, styles, and choices in wedding
cakes.
If you are a modern bride and having a modern wedding, you may
want to consider some of the new trends that are becoming
popular in wedding cakes. Let tradition go to the winds and pick
a cake that suits you and your groom, and the mood of your
special day.
New Trend
One new trend that is happening for wedding cakes is leaving
the traditional cake altogether and choosing cupcakes instead.
This allows you to have different kinds of cake and different
kinds of frosting and is much less messy than cutting the
traditional cake.
Many brides have also found that cupcakes were much more budget
friendly as well. If you still have a bit of kid left in you and
you are having a casual wedding, you may want to consider
serving cupcakes at your wedding.
Instead of the sweet and fattening icings, many brides are now
turning to wedding cakes that have toppings that are much
healthier. Brides are beginning to favor cakes that are topped
in various fruits, depending on the season and the style of the
wedding.
A beach wedding may lead to a cake topped with tropical fruits,
or a spring wedding may lend itself to a cake topped with
luscious strawberries. Not only is fruit much healthier, but it
is great tasting and a decoration all its own on your cake.
Cheesecake with Toppings
Another new trend that is quickly picking up speed is having
cheesecake instead of traditional wedding cakes. While this
choice can get a bit expensive, this is an elegant cake to serve
at your wedding. Cheesecake is great to serve at those evening
weddings that are classy and elegant.
If you are having a wedding that requires black tie, but you
are not wanting to settle for a regular wedding cake, you may
want to consider having cheesecake. There are many flavors and
toppings that you can choose, as well, when you decide on
cheesecake, so be original.
If you want to stick with a more traditional wedding cake but
you want it to look trendy and chic, you may want to consider
having a less traditional shape. Wedding cakes can be made in
different shapes including hearts, shaped like suitcases,
stacked shapes, or even shaped to look like presents. Having a
different shape can give your wedding cake a unique look and
help to coordinate your cake with the theme of your wedding.
Remember that you want your wedding cake to be unique as you
are and you want it to stand out. There is no need to stick with
tradition when it comes to wedding cakes. Throw tradition to the
wind and pick a cake that will make you happy and have guests
raving for months.
About the Author: Get the latest in wedding cakes know how from
the only true source at http://www.weddingknack.com. Check out
our wedding cakes pages.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=136920&ca=Marriage
By Michelle Davis
Gone are the days of plain-vanilla cakes with butter cream
frosting and red roses. While there is nothing wrong with a
simple, more old fashioned cake, the trends are getting a bit
more zany with many new flavors, styles, and choices in wedding
cakes.
If you are a modern bride and having a modern wedding, you may
want to consider some of the new trends that are becoming
popular in wedding cakes. Let tradition go to the winds and pick
a cake that suits you and your groom, and the mood of your
special day.
New Trend
One new trend that is happening for wedding cakes is leaving
the traditional cake altogether and choosing cupcakes instead.
This allows you to have different kinds of cake and different
kinds of frosting and is much less messy than cutting the
traditional cake.
Many brides have also found that cupcakes were much more budget
friendly as well. If you still have a bit of kid left in you and
you are having a casual wedding, you may want to consider
serving cupcakes at your wedding.
Instead of the sweet and fattening icings, many brides are now
turning to wedding cakes that have toppings that are much
healthier. Brides are beginning to favor cakes that are topped
in various fruits, depending on the season and the style of the
wedding.
A beach wedding may lead to a cake topped with tropical fruits,
or a spring wedding may lend itself to a cake topped with
luscious strawberries. Not only is fruit much healthier, but it
is great tasting and a decoration all its own on your cake.
Cheesecake with Toppings
Another new trend that is quickly picking up speed is having
cheesecake instead of traditional wedding cakes. While this
choice can get a bit expensive, this is an elegant cake to serve
at your wedding. Cheesecake is great to serve at those evening
weddings that are classy and elegant.
If you are having a wedding that requires black tie, but you
are not wanting to settle for a regular wedding cake, you may
want to consider having cheesecake. There are many flavors and
toppings that you can choose, as well, when you decide on
cheesecake, so be original.
If you want to stick with a more traditional wedding cake but
you want it to look trendy and chic, you may want to consider
having a less traditional shape. Wedding cakes can be made in
different shapes including hearts, shaped like suitcases,
stacked shapes, or even shaped to look like presents. Having a
different shape can give your wedding cake a unique look and
help to coordinate your cake with the theme of your wedding.
Remember that you want your wedding cake to be unique as you
are and you want it to stand out. There is no need to stick with
tradition when it comes to wedding cakes. Throw tradition to the
wind and pick a cake that will make you happy and have guests
raving for months.
About the Author: Get the latest in wedding cakes know how from
the only true source at http://www.weddingknack.com. Check out
our wedding cakes pages.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=136920&ca=Marriage
Beach Wedding Cakes
Beach Wedding Cakes
By Cindy English
Looking for a beach theme wedding cake ideas?
When it comes to wedding cakes, long gone are the days of
following tradition. Since you are considering a beach theme
wedding cake, you are obviously not a slave to those traditions.
So... let's stray from the "norm" and be adventurous!
One thing to remember... there are no rules! If there are...
well, rules are made to be broken. Your beachtheme wedding cake
can be anything you want it to be!
What Size?
How many guests are you planning to have? If you have your cake
made professionally it can range in price anywhere from $2.00 to
$15.00 per slice. A "slice" is normally considered to be 2
ounces or, approximately 4" x 2". The range in price will depend
on how much intricate detail you want on it. If the cake you
choose is very labor intensive, you can expect higher prices. If
you are on a tight budget, keep it simple!
What Shape?
A beach theme wedding cake can be any size, shape or
description. Be creative. If you have an idea for your cake,
sketch it out on paper and take it to that talented friend,
relative or your chosen bakery. If you can imagine it, someone
can make it!
Do not limit your thinking to a two or three tier cake. It can
be round, square, a sheet cake, a sculpted cake, individual mini
cakes, cupcakes or even cookies! Some brides even choose a one
or two layer, individual wedding cake on each guest table rather
than the traditional large cake at the head table. This is a
nice idea because it also serves as the table centerpiece. This
eliminates the added expense associated with having a wedding
centerpiece at each table!
A couple of things to keep in mind though...
* Since your reception may be on the beach, consider the sun!
If you are having a dawn or dusk ceremony, heat from the sun
will probably not be a major factor. However, if you are having
your wedding midday, consider an "ornamental" cake. By that I
mean, not edible with the exception of perhaps the bottom layer
if you and the groom plan to cut it. You don't want your
creation to melt!
* Consider draping your cake in a decorative manner with tulle
to keep the bugs and sand out of it. It would be beautiful yet
practical.
* Purchase decorative, individual cake boxes. Fill them and
perhaps tie your wedding program or thank you to them with
ribbon. Keep them in a cooler until time to pass them out to
your guests. They will serve as your wedding favor, killing two
birds with one stone!
* Make your own beach theme wedding cake! Look inside the next
"DuncanHines" cake mix you buy. The instruction for making
baking tiered cakesare in there! You can do it. If you can't,
I'll bet you know a friend who could! In EVERY town there is a
friend or a "friend of a friend" who makes beautiful wedding
cakes. It's a hobby for them. They love doing it! Of course they
still want to be paid, but not the ridiculous prices that a
professional will charge you.
So...go... find that friend!
About the Author: Cindy English is the publisher of:
http://www.Beach-Wedding-Themes.com Beach wedding themes full of
fun, fantasy and romance
http://www.All-Florida-Beach-Weddings.com Plan your wedding
celebration in Paradise! © Copyright 2005 by Cindy English
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=4609&ca=Marriage
By Cindy English
Looking for a beach theme wedding cake ideas?
When it comes to wedding cakes, long gone are the days of
following tradition. Since you are considering a beach theme
wedding cake, you are obviously not a slave to those traditions.
So... let's stray from the "norm" and be adventurous!
One thing to remember... there are no rules! If there are...
well, rules are made to be broken. Your beachtheme wedding cake
can be anything you want it to be!
What Size?
How many guests are you planning to have? If you have your cake
made professionally it can range in price anywhere from $2.00 to
$15.00 per slice. A "slice" is normally considered to be 2
ounces or, approximately 4" x 2". The range in price will depend
on how much intricate detail you want on it. If the cake you
choose is very labor intensive, you can expect higher prices. If
you are on a tight budget, keep it simple!
What Shape?
A beach theme wedding cake can be any size, shape or
description. Be creative. If you have an idea for your cake,
sketch it out on paper and take it to that talented friend,
relative or your chosen bakery. If you can imagine it, someone
can make it!
Do not limit your thinking to a two or three tier cake. It can
be round, square, a sheet cake, a sculpted cake, individual mini
cakes, cupcakes or even cookies! Some brides even choose a one
or two layer, individual wedding cake on each guest table rather
than the traditional large cake at the head table. This is a
nice idea because it also serves as the table centerpiece. This
eliminates the added expense associated with having a wedding
centerpiece at each table!
A couple of things to keep in mind though...
* Since your reception may be on the beach, consider the sun!
If you are having a dawn or dusk ceremony, heat from the sun
will probably not be a major factor. However, if you are having
your wedding midday, consider an "ornamental" cake. By that I
mean, not edible with the exception of perhaps the bottom layer
if you and the groom plan to cut it. You don't want your
creation to melt!
* Consider draping your cake in a decorative manner with tulle
to keep the bugs and sand out of it. It would be beautiful yet
practical.
* Purchase decorative, individual cake boxes. Fill them and
perhaps tie your wedding program or thank you to them with
ribbon. Keep them in a cooler until time to pass them out to
your guests. They will serve as your wedding favor, killing two
birds with one stone!
* Make your own beach theme wedding cake! Look inside the next
"DuncanHines" cake mix you buy. The instruction for making
baking tiered cakesare in there! You can do it. If you can't,
I'll bet you know a friend who could! In EVERY town there is a
friend or a "friend of a friend" who makes beautiful wedding
cakes. It's a hobby for them. They love doing it! Of course they
still want to be paid, but not the ridiculous prices that a
professional will charge you.
So...go... find that friend!
About the Author: Cindy English is the publisher of:
http://www.Beach-Wedding-Themes.com Beach wedding themes full of
fun, fantasy and romance
http://www.All-Florida-Beach-Weddings.com Plan your wedding
celebration in Paradise! © Copyright 2005 by Cindy English
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=4609&ca=Marriage
Decorating Kids Birthday Cakes - The Basic Essentials
Decorating Kids Birthday Cakes - The Basic Essentials
By Mary-Lou HalvorsonWhen I first started baking and decorating my kids birthday cakes, the variety of decorating tools I could buy seemed endless. And there was so much advice out there on cake decorating! It was a whole new world to me. Still, I reined in my impulsive nature to buy everything I thought I needed, and purchased some basic tools. It is these basics which have 'stood by me' in my quest for decorating those colourful creations my kids ask for each year on their birthdays.
In addition to these ideas, I've added some helpful suggestions for decorating your child's next birthday cake - some of which were given to me freely from others whilst a few goodies were borne from my own mistakes...
Cake Decorating Equipment:
You don't necessarily need elaborate equipment but you will need some basic supplies. You can purchase most of the following supplies at specialty baking shops or even your local supermarket. They are indispensable for baking and decorating any birthday cake your child might dream up.
Rubber Spatulas:
It's good to have a set of assorted sizes that are made of flexible rubber. They're the best tool for scraping frosting from the sides of bowls.
Metal Spatulas:
Have at least one large and one small angled spatula for spreading and smoothing frosting. Avoid your cake crumbling by using a small metal spatula to gently ice the cake with a very thin layer of frosting before adding the 'real' layer. This process is called 'crumb coating'.
Piping Bags:
Reusable 8", 12" and 18" bags with plastic coating on the inside for easy cleaning. Clear plastic disposable zip-lock bags are great for small jobs.
Coupling Nozzles:
These nozzles are essential because they allow you to change your tips according to the design. They can also act as a very large round writing tip for piping figures.
Gel, Powder or Paste Food colouring:
These are preferable to liquid food colouring because they are more concentrated and will not thin down the frosting.
Tips:
1. Have all ingredients at room temperature.
2. Use an electric mixer when beating the cake mixture. You've more chance of eliminating bumps in the pre-cooked cake mixture.
3. Wire Cake Racks are essential for cooling and inverting cakes.
4. Trim baked cake so it sits flat. Use the smooth base as the top of the finished cake and decorate with icing.
5. To stop crumbling, bake the cake the day before you need to decorate it and put it in the freezer.
6. Decorate while still cold.
7. Cake boards are quite cheap to pick up from cake decorating shops. Or you can cover a large piece of cardboard (cut from a box) with coloured foil.
8. Butter Cream Icing is great for decorating cakes. The only thing I have found with butter cream icing is that when you add colouring, a pastel colour is the only colour it will go to. This is because of the fat in the butter. If you want a darker colour, you have three options: Use plain icing sugar and water then add colouring; replace the butter in the butter cream icing recipe with vegetable shortening or; add black coloured powder to your icing mixture - it will deepen the colour.
9. Cut strips of waxed paper to slip underneath the edges of your unfrosted cake. When finished, you can pull them away and you won't smear the cake board.
About the Author: Mary-Lou Halvorson is a mother of two children and creator of groovy-kids-parties.com. Visit for more ideas for Kids Birthday Cakes with photos, instructions and now videos!
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=205414&ca=Food+and+Drinks
Baby Shower Cakes - How To Buy Or Make Wonderful Baby Cakes That Surprise Your Guests
Baby Shower Cakes - How To Buy Or Make Wonderful Baby Cakes That Surprise Your Guests
By Qing GuHow can you have a complete baby shower without baby shower cakes?
A baby cake is more than a moist, yummy confection to eat. You can use it as a wonderful baby shower centerpiece to make a special party setting that every guest can share and enjoy.
Also turn the baby shower cake baking into a funny baby shower game if you want to make a special and memorable moment that the mom-to-be can cherish for a long time.
What if you're looking for something that can do triple duties for your baby shower? A Diaper Cake decorated with all kinds of baby items is your best choice - it's not edible!
Keep the guidelines below in your mind. You’ll find that have the bakery design cakes for you is just a snap.
1. Set your party theme and budget, it will help you focus on what you really need.
2. Check out 4 or 5 bakeries (at least). Look at their cake pictures and ask for a sample-taste.
3. Make a decision on the cake that most fits your need. Tell the baker how many people will attend your party so they don’t make the wrong size. (A standard round cake serves approximately eight to ten people. An 11 x 9 x 2 inch sheet cake serves up to fifteen people.)
4. Tell the baker which day and what time the shower will start. ( you should order the cake a minimum of one week in advance of the shower.
5. Pay a 50 percent deposit. Ask the bakery to deliver the cake directly to your shower location (again, don't forget to tell them the date and time!).
Instead of the traditional baby cakes, try baking a batch of baby cupcakes which guests can frost and decorate.
You can even try the idea of an Autograph Cake - it's a sheet cake only have a standard "Congratulations!" inscription on it and the rest are left plain. Guests were asked to sign their names on the cake when they arrive.
And imagine a cake with the mommy’s photo or a classic pooh poster on it! The only thing you need to do is to choose one photo of the mom-to-be or any graphics related to your shower theme. The bakery will blow up the photo and decorate around it for you - it looks great and inexpensive!
No matter what you're looking for, put your heart and energy into the cake planning, the ideas are endless.
About the Author: Qing Gu is a party planning expert and professional writer for baby related websites. Sign up with the "Planning A Baby Shower in 7 Easy Steps" FREE eCourse at http://www.coolest-baby-shower-idea.com/ecourse, you'll be mastering all the exciting, fun and innovative ways to make sure your baby shower a huge succes.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=34039&ca=Family+Concerns
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