Have you ever wondered how those masterpieces you see in cake shop windows are so smooth and lump free? Well read on to find out all about the perfect crumb coating. To get a really smooth icing finish on a cake, most experienced bakers will ‘crumb coat’ first. It’s a …
A delicious cake deserves beautiful decoration. If you’ve got a special occasion or a party coming up why not turn your favourite cake into a jaw-dropping centrepiece? You don’t have to be a sugar-paste artist to turn out something incredible: here are some stylish and creative ideas to get your …
Sugarpaste piping, plaques, fondant and trellis: when did icing become so complicated? No wonder most of us avoid it, commissioning bespoke wedding or birthday cakes instead of decorating our own. Well, it’s time someone demystified the most unpopular icing techniques. If you’d like the confidence to try your hand at …
It’s a fairy land of gold leaf Labrador-shaped cutters and hologram glitter out there, if you know where to look. Want to find out where Nigella buys her tiny cupcake roses, or where to order festive marzipan models? Here’s how to make your cake a modern masterpiece, and where to …
From rhubarb to lavender from mocha to Baileys, there are a hundred and one icings to spread proudly on your cakes. Look around and you’ll find books dedicated to cupcake icing: techniques, flavours, tricks, and so much more. Here are some of our favourite icing flavours – but don’t stick …
If icing still terrifies you (and we’re doing our best to prevent that) there are plenty of ways to make your cake look gorgeous – without mixing, moulding or piping. Today, anyone who can spread glue can build a pretty cake. It’s true – here’s our guide to avoiding icing! …
Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween: these are excellent excuses to get into the kitchen and whip up a batch of celebratory cakes. Miniatures are ideal for getting the kids involved, too, so what are you waiting for? At Christmas, Valentine’s and Halloween, baking shops are awash with decorations and edible …
There are so many reasons to try making your own Italian biscotti. These twice-cooked biscuits can be adapted to include any of your favourite nuts, fruit or chocolate – they’ll keep for ages, and friends and family will appreciate a jar at Christmas. Ready to give them a try? The …
If you’re looking for biscuits to give to friends and family at Christmas and Easter, try Florentines. Rich, chewy, and packed with nuts and fruits, these honey-sweetened treats taste truly celebratory. Try making your own Candied Peel and use it in our delicious Florentine recipe. About Florentines Florentines are ancient …
The perfect shortbread can be quite elusive. Read our essential guide and try our classic recipe – you could discover a new family favourite! Shortbread – Tips For Success Good shortbread is pale, buttery, crunchy, and ‘short’. This means it crumbles at every bite, giving that characteristic shortbread texture. It …