
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Prepare the icing Step 2: Level the cake Step 3: Assemble a decorating bag Step 4: Put in the filling Step 5: Ice the cake Step 6: Create borders Step 7: Add the final touches








	Always prepare more icing than you think you'll need. OK, even a little more than that. Just have lots of icing (you'll need some extra to practice borders with, anyway). To check the peak, drop a spoonful of icing onto some waxed paper. Its highest point (think of the point of a chocolate kiss) is its peak.

2torial #0412:
Learn2 Decorate a Cake (continued)

Prepare the icing

Any type of icing will work, including ready-made icing you can buy at the store. We'll discuss standard icing rather than glazes or royal icing (which involve a different set of rules--and aren't for the beginner). Basically you just want it to be smooth and free of air pockets. It should look and feel light and fluffy, with a fairly thin consistency, so it's easy to spread.

Mix the icing with a rubber spatula or an electric mixer (use a paddle attachment and set the mixer on the lowest speed). You can add water or milk to thin the icing as needed. It should hold about a 1/4-inch peak when properly thinned. Once you're finished mixing, place a small amount in a separate bowl. This will be used for the base layer (explained in Step 5).

Step 2