Icing that looks like marzipan but isnt !

[reAllytee]

Im being incredibly lazy & asking this rather than searching :o

I know a few of you have talked about this & worked with it so i need help !

Its nearing Squeak's birthday & i need to get my hands on it & then at least practice a little before the time !

So the name would be a start :p

Is it hard to work with ? Im not exactly a pro so need something thats easy iykwim !

How long will it last as in can i make it the day before or does it have to be the nite before etc ?

Can i just get it from a cake supply shop or is it only available at certain places etc ?

Any other info welcome :D

[kaybee]

Do you mean the white icing for wedding cakes that isn't almondy?? Some people call it fondant or ready to roll icing.

If so you can just buy Orchard Icing from the Supermarket. I think it either comes as plain white icing or a chocolate one. You will need to knead it a little first, to soften it, then roll it out to the desired size to cover your cake. There are instructions on the side of the packet on how much you need based on the size of your cake.

When it's ready, you then brush the cake with sugar syrup or warmed, strained jam to make it sticky, then carefully lay the icing over the cake, and smooth out. You'll need to dust with icing sugar when rolling and then put some on your hands when you smooth it out gently. You can get plastic "smoothers" from cake supply shops to give it a more professional look.

To make it look neater you can level out the top of the cake to make it flat first with a knife and if there are any holes in the surface of the cake, fill them up with little bits of the icing beforehand too.

You should ice the cake several days before, as it needs to dry before you serve it.

I did a cake decorating course a few years ago, so if you've got any other questions, let me know.

[reAllytee]

Oh you are a legend !

Well i shall be having a looksie over the next few days & will certainly pick your brain as needed !!!

Thank you :D

[jag5000]

ally - this (http://www.baking911.com/decorating/cakes_fondantrolled_tips.htm) is a great site to get tips from (in USA ready rolled icing is called fondant) same stuff as the orchard brand you buy at the supermarket (in the aisle with the cake mixes, near the sugar)

I like this (http://www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com/index.html) site to get ideas too

HTH's

[reAllytee]

Oooooh ! THanks !

Gosh i think i have really set myself a huge task this time :rolleyes:

Can i colour it ? Cause i dont want the main cake coloured thats fine white but i want to put stars over it that will be coloured iykwim .... Or is that too hard ?

Oh & the ribbons can i use any ribbon ?

[jag5000]

nah, colouring it is easy.. just knead it with some food colouring until you get the colour you want. The dry (powder) colours are the best but they are only from cake dec shops.. the liquid colour works fine, you just might have to knead in some icing sugar if the rolled icing gets too sticky

I promise - it's not hard - I have done it a million times.

make sure cake is level and brush off any crumbs, brush with jam or runny icing or something to help the rolled icing stick.. roll out your icing using a bit of cornflour or icing sugar on the bench to stop it sticking, lay it over the cake and smooth it out - easy! if it gets holes or rips in it just cover them with a star! :)

make sure you post a pic!

[kaybee]

You can just knead in the liquid colour you get from the supermarket as Jag5000 said, adding some icing sugar if it gets too sticky. However, they can be quite strong, so if you want a pale pastel colour the best way to add it is put a toothpick in the colour, then wipe it on the icing, knead in and then add a bit more until you get to your required colour strength. Blue is usually the worst.

Yeh you can use any ribbon. You can just use a sewing type pin with a pearl head to secure it at the back.

Goodluck, have a practice b4 the big event and definitetly post some pics!

[reAllytee]

Oh ladies you are truly wonderful !

Will definately be practicing probably in the next week or so ! Gotta go stock up my wares !

Still pondering whether to do square or round .... Think round will be easier though !

[Tam-I-Am]

Ally, I'm no cake maker, but I did this for Claire's first birthday cake - it was easy to work with, easy to dye, and I managed to make it look pretty darned good - AND I didn't practice beforehand which just shows you how easy it truly was!

[reAllytee]

Oh brilliant !

Thats what i needed to hear hehehehe.

This is THE cake (http://www.pinkcakebox.com/images/cake221.jpg) btw its for Master G's 1st Birthday & Blessing Day :D

I think im insane trying to make this but anywhos LOL !

The colours & bear will be different obviously ;)

[Cupcake]

OH Ally you will make that easy :yes: you will be surprised how simple it is & FUN!!!
I love making cakes & make them for everyone I know & when know one I know needs one I make them for my neighbours :laughing:

[jag5000]

just saw that pic Ally - you can make that easy!!!

couple of tips if you want them.
- paint the back of the stars/dots with water to make them stick to the base cakes
- put the top cake on a cake board the same size as the cake before you put in on the bottom one as then you can take it off easily to cut and also the bottom ones will be intact
- if you are making a figure like the bear hold the bits together with toothpicks until it dries, and also it's got that metallic shine on it from being brushed with 'luster dust' at cake deco shops

good luck! gosh, this is making me want to make a cake now!!!

[DramaQueen]

Good on you Ally, much braver than me :o

Don't forget to post some piccies when your done :thumbsup: