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

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

Add the final touches

It's the little details that can really pull the cake together and dazzle its admirers. However, certain touches (like flowers made of icing) can be the most difficult decorations to create. In the beginning, it's best to stick with simpler alternatives that work just as well.

Try fresh flowers, for example. Ask your florist for some that haven't been sprayed with pesticides (or gather some from your yard), then freeze them in plastic bags before placing them on the cake. Some flowers are edible (such as violets, marigolds, apple blossoms, and such), so ask your florist about those, too. Sprinkle some petals around the edge of the cake platter for a lovely finishing touch when the cake is served.

You can also find ready-made decorations where baking items are sold. These not only include icing flowers, but also borders, beads, ruffles, figurines, and more. Or you can go for nontraditional decorating items such as toys. Candy, nuts, or colored sugar sprinkled over the top or formed into a pattern look good too. You can also practice using a small tip to write a special message in brightly colored frosting.

Whatever you choose, the key is not to go overboard. This is one situation where less is definitely more. That is, unless you want seconds.

-end-