Cakewalk: Adventures In Sugar With Margaret Braun

by Margaret Braun

Cakewalk showcases and makes available for the first time the superbly decorated cakes that have earned cake decorator and sugar artist extraordinaire Margaret Braun her stellar reputation.

This book contains easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for constructing fifteen of Braun's greatest creations. In addition to offering the tools and a foolproof decorating method for each featured cake, Braun also provides the creative and culinary background on each of her confections. Each sugar masterpiece is the result of many influences--all of which are conveyed through Braun's own words and an elegant blend of imagery that includes her diverse visual references, magnificently drawn and hand-lettered schematic cake plans, illustrations done in food coloring, and especially commissioned photography by renowned photographer Quentin Bacon.

Braun also reveals her secrets for beautiful cakes, such as achieving the perfect consistency for fillings and icings, mixing colors to get the right hue, and combining colors and motifs successfully. A visual glossary covers every decorative motif featured in the book, describing its creation through clear visuals and easy-to-follow text. The volume also includes Braun's favorite recipes, including basic cakes, an array of icings and ganaches, rolled fondant, pastillage, marzipan, and family recipes like Braun's mother's flourless chocolate cake. Finally, a detailed listing and description of the necessary cake-decorating tools and a sources section round out this definitive work.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 22, 2001

Reviews

[Toya Dubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most inspiring cake book. I was given this book as a child and I would study it like a textbook. In the years that followed, the book held a special fascination for me. Margaret’s cakes are incredible and so is the peek into her process, her cakes are just as much pieces of art as they are cakes. I tried some of the techniques she taught in the following years, and thought of this book in my travels to Spain because some of the cakes pull inspiration from architectural elements there. This book is a gift to anyone with an artistic eye and a sweet tooth. While you might not have the time to make something quite as intricate as the pieces in the book in your own home, it’s a guaranteed source of inspiration.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected, but WOW. More like reading about art than cakes and baking.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It was $50, and at the time that seemed like a lot! This is the best cakebook I have ever seen. Margaret Braun is an inspiration! Her cakes really get my creativity going. If you are serious about cake decorating, or love to look at beautiful cakes this is for you! $50 is a steal.

[Vesper Stamper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't kid yourself. You'll never ever make cakes this beautiful. But the book is complete...ahem...food porn...and makes you actually believe you *might* attain the skill one day. But it's ok, go buy your fondant, silver dragees, gold leaf and food dyes, and go at it.

[Anners · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's worth getting this book solely for the exquisite photos and close-ups of elaborate cakes. But be forewarned: it will make you hungry.