The Firsts that worked -

So, Yesterday I told you that I would show you some of the cakes I'm happier with, you know the ones that weren't full of dents, dings and covered in icing sugar, but unfortunately, I don't think I've made one of those yet. I have however got the dents and dings to a minimum and worked out how to steam the icing sugar off, and make the fondant nice and shiney (the credit for that goes to my wonderful fiance who thought of using an iron until I can afford a steamer, which isn't likely to be anytime soon)

Speaking of my wonderful fiance, this is my most recent cake, and it was for his birthday this past weekend. He is an ENORMOUS basketball fan and an Orlando Magic Fan from way back, so he decided he wanted a jersey cake. Not the current one, but the vintage style Penny Hardaway #1 jersey. Id never made a jersey cake before but thought, "its simple! How hard can it be!" famous last words. All white, with black pinstripes and the team logo (that he was VERY specific about) and here is my inspiration:

It had to be THAT ONE, JUST LIKE THAT. But darker blue, more like a royal blue. And the stripes have to be perfect. And the logo perfect. and the number has to be curved not straight. Just. Like.That. I found all this rather amusing as to begin with he didn't want a cake, I had to talk him into it. But anyway.. Here is what I came up with:

 The Little NBA Logo was hand painted with food colouring, and the lines are piped royal icing. 

 Now, I would like to make a special mention of this:

Up until this day, I had tried, and failed (miserably) many, many times to pipe writing. I mentioned in yesterdays post about self five-ing? This was definitely one of those moments! Yes, its still rough, but I was so pleased that I had piped words, and could actually read and understand them!!

This second cake was for my soon to be Mother-In-Law and Father-In-Law's 30th Wedding anniversary/ Wedding Vowel renewal. Another "Simple" looking cake. (Huh). My In-law to be picked a cake that was originally 5 tiers but cut it down to the top two, and selected the quilted pattern for the bottom, and a simple ribbon for the top.

I would love to say I made the beautiful roses on top but the credit for that goes entirely to Carole from Caroles Cakes. I wish I could make them, but I'm not yet that talented. The Bottom tier was a chocolate mud cake with whipped white chocolate ganache, the top, a white chocolate mud cake with a whipped milk chocolate ganache, both were covered in white fondant and the bottom garnished with edible sugar pearls. This was the first "wedding" style cake, and while I was happy with the end result, I learned a few "what not to do" things along the way, for next time.

The idea came from a lovely book I use for inspiration and recipes for alot of the cakes I make (mostly because it has a table in the back for the perfect quantities for the size cake you want, and that is something I need desperately) and that book is the Australian Womens Weekly - Decorating Cakes. Its a great book with plenty of beautiful cakes for various different skill levels. Now I Purchased mine from Big W But it is available from most good bookshops and major retailers.

Lesson for today: Simple cakes can be the hardest to do. When there are fewer details on a cake, they need to be perfect, or it ruins the overall look. Professionals will say that a plain white cake is their worst enemy. It shows up every flaw. For a beginner? Avoid it. Its a trap. I've made cakes for about 4 years. Still dislike it. I can almost get away with it now, but.. The Pressure!

Now. I promised to share some great bloggers and YouTube-rs.
Today, I suggest  Marlyn at Montreal Confections - She is a cookier and also who I am crediting solely with my new found ability to pipe. She does the most beautiful and perfect designs, and gives detailed instructions with every video.

Another is Cookies, Cupcakes and Cardio. She has super helpful tips and tricks, as well as some delicious recipes and very creative ideas, and is well worth a watch!

Please let me know if you enjoy watching/ reading these blogs and let me know what you think of my cakes!

Thats all for today, but I'll be back with more tomorrow!
Thanks again for reading!
The Beginner Baker.