Cakes to Inspire and Desire by Lindy Smith, my latest addition to my growing sweet reads collection, and to my delight I got it for $10 less than the marked price, so how could I say no, I didn't - it was my valentine gift to myself (I seem to be doing this gift buying a lot lately).
Anyway it's a great inspirational creative guide. Besides the normal instructions it is filled with beautiful instructional photos, a few recipes and lots of interesting cake projects. What I love about this book is the great creative ideas, quite different from the books I already own, there is of course the 'how to carve and cover wonky cakes', for something different there's cake jewellery (using wires and beads) and my all time favorite (as I love the mini version of everything) mini cakes. Each project has the 'big' cake, then she has added love the look (tips), simple shortcuts (create quicker) and small wonders (mini versions of the cake). This book contains some lovely varied creative ideas, so nice that you barely have to use your imagination.
This is certainly an inspirational read and I look forward to creating some edible art!
Find Lindy on face book or have a look at her website http://www.lindyscakes.co.uk
Michelle, I'm looking to get into making cakes but am very NOVICE :) This one looks advanced but sounds soooo amazing. Which book do you think is the best for starting? xoxoxos
ReplyDeleteHi Nessa, making cakes is a wonderful creative expression and I know you are extremely creative so there is no doubt in my mind that you will make amazing cakes. This book is wonderful but yes it is a little advanced. Lindy Smith has written quite a few different books. She is based in England and has wonderful ideas, you can find her on face book too (lindys cakes). I would recommend you look out for a book that has an American author to begin with. Cake terminology and ingredients will vary from country to country, so when you begin it will make it that much easier if you know exactly what they mean. Wilton have some good beginner guides and their courses are educational, giving you a good grounding to build on (you will learn the different icings, techniques, equipment and many other cake decorating things). Also the internet and friends are an invaluable source of education, there are so many tutorials online.
ReplyDeleteMy advice would be to visit your local library and have a look at some of their cake decorating books first, then you can choose what book or books will be most valuable to you.
P.S. If I do see/hear of a most suitable book I will let you know and if you have any questions I will be happy to do my best to answering them.
Oh and another great learning source is books on clay (fondant and polymer clay or playdoh are simular to work with).
Hope this is helpful.
xxx Michelle