Introduction .................................................................1
Part I: Getting Ready to Decorate with Ease
and Expertise................................................................7
Chapter 1: Acquiring the Skills and Creativity................................................................9
Chapter 2: Assembling Your Cake Decorating Kit ........................................................15
Chapter 3: Planning Your Workspace ............................................................................31
Chapter 4: Stocking Your Pantry ....................................................................................39
Part II: Preparing the Canvas of Cake ..........................49
Chapter 5: Prepping for the Cake Decorating Process ................................................51
Chapter 6: Baking the Perfect Cakes..............................................................................61
Chapter 7: Smoothing the Way for Decorating .............................................................81
Part III: Topping, Filling, and Embellishing
Your Creations............................................................93
Chapter 8: Whipping Up Frostings .................................................................................95
Chapter 9: Dusting and Glazing: It’s Icing on the Cake ..............................................109
Chapter 10: Amping Up the Flavor: Spreading Fillings ..............................................129
Chapter 11: Tip Talk .......................................................................................................143
Chapter 12: Enhancing with Embellishments .............................................................159
Part IV: Sweetening Life’s Special Occasions ..............181
Chapter 13: Festive Cakes for Kids...............................................................................183
Chapter 14: Cakes for Grown-Ups ................................................................................205
Chapter 15: Showering Brides and Moms-to-Be .........................................................223
Chapter 16: Lifting a Fork to Weddings and Anniversaries.......................................243
Chapter 17: Savoring Holidays and Special Occasions .............................................259
Part V: Thinking Outside the Cake Box .......................285
Chapter 18: Prepping for Showtime .............................................................................287
Chapter 19: Quick Cakes and Last-Minute Decorating Techniques .........................297
Chapter 20: Starting a Cake Decorating Business ......................................................311
Part VI: The Part of Tens ...........................................323
Chapter 21: Ten Great Sources for Cake Supplies and Ideas ....................................325
Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Cut a Cake ............................................................................329
Chapter 23: Ten Easy Baking and Frosting Alternatives............................................337
Chapter 24: Ten (or So) Troubleshooting Techniques ..............................................341
Index .......................................................................345