The Complete Photo Guide to Cake Decorating

by Autumn Carpenter

With hundreds of techniques and over 1,000 photos, this is “an all-inclusive look at how to make a stunning cake from start to finish . . . exceptional” (Library Journal).This clearly organized resource is like having a cake decorating workshop in a book. Discover useful tips for embellishing with buttercream, royal icing, fondant, gum paste, and more. The easy-to-follow instructions and 1,000+ photos include techniques for piping, string work, creating and shaping a variety of flowers, molding chocolate, and adding patterns with stencils. Cake pro Autumn Carpenter shows how to create striking florals, borders, and accents with silicone molds, hand modeling, pastry tips, cookie cutters, and more. You can also take your skills up a notch and wrap a cake in chocolate, make decorations with isomalt, and use gum paste for quilling. Try new techniques with confidence, and get inspired by a gallery of colorful ideas for holiday cakes, birthday cakes, children’s cakes, wedding cakes, and special occasion cakes. This detailed book ·Cake preparation and baking basics·Recipes for fillings and icings·Ideas and instruction for decorating cupcakes·Piping techniques for making lifelike and fantasy flowers, eye-catching borders, distinctive lettering, and more·Instructions for creating appealing accents like beading, ropes, and lace using fondant and gum paste·Key decorating tools and how to use them·Techniques for incorporating airbrushing, edible frosting sheets, and chocolate molding for one-of-a-kind designs, and more

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

When they said comprehensive in this book's description, they meant comprehensive! There's so much information here! As a beginner, I felt a little overwhelmed especially in the beginning when all the tools required are listed- it's a big list. As it is, I can see this being a go-to book for everything cake decorating, the instructions are great as well- step by step with accompanying pictures. Really great book!

[Victoria Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book's superb step by step photos and clear instructions will ensure beautifuuly decorated cakes. I loved the examples of how to use the many types of decorating supplies, and the examples of the finished cake designs.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

An amazing book with clear instructions as well as detailed pictures to help with clarity while learning. The cake charts are invaluable to assist with amounts needed and approximate serving sizes. This is a fabulous learning tool and excellent resource.

[Stefanie Muir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good reference for cake decorating. As a visual learner the pictures are invaluable to helping me learn.

[Phyllis Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book shows a wonderful selection of decorating ideas. As a beginner I found it very instructive. I learnt a lot

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This covers it all, including using some interesting things as tools that you might not expect. Excellent reference. Recipes included.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carpenter, Autumn. The Complete Photo Guide to Cake Decorating. Creative Pub: Quayside. Feb. 2012. c.328p. photogs. index. ISBN 9781589236691. pap. $24.99. COOKINGljx120101cakedecorating Cake & Cookie Decorating Books

Sugar artist Carpenter (All About Candy Making) perfectly explains her book: “If you are a beginning decorator, this book will serve as a step-by-step course in cake decorating. If you are an experienced or professional decorator, this book will quickly become your go-to guide when seeking out new techniques.” This is an all-inclusive look at how to make a stunning cake from start to finish. Organized in easy-to-browse sections, it takes readers through the process from preparation, tools, and recipes; to decorating techniques and templates; to extras to make your projects special; to a gallery of designs for inspiration. The numerous photographs are not only visually appealing but educational, and add to the quality of this exceptional work. Essential for anyone interested in baking and decorating cakes.

http://reviews.libraryjournal.com/201...

[Tia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an extremely thorough, detailed guide to cake decorating. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK if you have any interest in preserving your self-esteem. You will be inspired by Carpenter's desserts complete with delicate cherry blossoms, whimsical circus animals or falling autumn leaves. Sadly, after purchasing $50 worth of cake-decorating supplies, your handiwork will qualify for a spot on cake wrecks, complete with Donnie Darko-esque creepy bunnies and other abominations.
Seriously folks, making cakes is hard, and it's not just about the right supplies. There's technique involved, and it's not possible to simply learn it from a book. Aim low and stick with sprinkles and maybe, if you're ambitious, that pre-made icing tube you can get in the supermarket.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the step by step instruction. There is really great information on how to do all of the techniques and all the great stuff you see on the cake shows. I was not as big a fan of the projects. I think you would do so many more amazing thing with the techniques they showed than the projects they provided.

[Jennifer Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cake book was incredibly thorough, detailed, and an excellent resource for beginners and experts alike. I enjoyed the adundance of photos and explanations for everything from recipes for cakes to piping to making exquisite flowers. Recommended for anyone who wants to make a cake. I got it from the library, but want my own copy now.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am highly interested in high quality baking and design so I read this in 1 week. (It is quite BIG)It gives very detailed instructions, names tools, and gives recipes every once in a while. I watch Cake Boss and after reading this book I wanted to rush to the kitchen and get started. When I start baking I will definitely buy this book from a local bookstore or Amazon.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the step by step instructions this book gives along with the wonderful photos. I checked this book out from the library, but want to purchase it for home reference. Book covers basic cake prep, piping techniques, fondant, gum paste and numerous other techniques.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book. I have mostly learned cake decorating techniques through practice but this book taught me a great deal which will improve how I decorate cakes. A great reference tool which I will refer to often.

[Mona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider it as a textbook in cake decoration.
The book is very illustrative and helpful especially for beginners,it also includes almost all the decoration techniques illustrated step-by-step in a very easy and simple way. One of the best.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every page in this book is a winner. Great reference book.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book on all things cake decorating. This is the book!!

[Susie Brazeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

On all things cake decorating...this is the book!

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful and detailed. Lots about techniques for piping, fondant, sugar and gum pastes, modeling, lace, strings, painting, etc.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed... 4 stars