Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Ultimate Cake Off

Cake Decorating has become very popular over the years. Decorated cakes are served at a number of occasions, ranging from birthday parties to retirements to holiday gatherings and everything in between. Couples spend hundreds of dollars on elaborate wedding cakes. Shows about bakeries and cake decorating competitions are being shown on numerous television stations. So what is it about cake that everybody loves? And what makes decorated cakes so special that people fork over large amounts of money for them?

The simple answer to those questions is the fact that cake is so delicious and so diverse! Cakes come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Cake flavors include chocolate, vanilla, yellow, funfetti, red velvet, and many more. In addition, delicious fillings may be added for extra flavor! A few favorite fillings include chocolate mousse, lemon, and strawberry. Frosting adds a sugary and sweet finishing touch to any cake.

The greatest part about cakes is its ability to be transformed into anything. If you've ever see Buddy Valastro of Cake Boss or Duff Goldman of Ace of Cakes decorate a cake, you know that it truly is art. From life size race cars to fire houses to violins, they've made it all and mostly out of cake. These talented chefs do extraordinary work and are able to recreate almost anything out of cake. Using materials such as fondant, gum, paste, modeling chocolate, and rice krispie treats, they are able to make almost anything right down to the most intricate detail.

While these elaborately decorated cakes come with big designs, they also come with very big price tags. Often these cakes are out of many people's price range and it seems a little ridiculous to pay so much for something that is going to be eaten. Luckily, cake decorating doesn't need to be enjoyed only by the professionals. Cake decorating can be enjoyed by anybody who has a little patience and creativity.

Cake decorating supplies are available to be purchased at various craft stores such as JoAnn Fabric's and Michael's. They are also available in many retail stores such as Walmart and Shopko. For the most part, cake decorating supplies are inexpensive and easy to use. Cake Decorating may be done without purchasing any supplies at all! With cake decorating, beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Cake decorating can take on different meanings to different people. To one it may simply be frosting a cake and covering it in sprinkles. To another it may be adding elaborate designs, roses, and writing to a cake. No matter what the design, the most important thing is that you have fun. Cakes are delicious treats and meant to make people happy; therefore, they should be fun to make as well.

Cakes add the finishing touch to every party, banquet, or special occasion. Next time, instead of spending tons of money on professionally decorated cakes, try decorating one of your own. You'll be surprised at what you can come up with. Don't be afraid to experiment with new cake flavors and fillings! It will surely be a cake that nobody forgets!