Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Not what I expected...
This book was not what I expected.However, it was my fault that I did not look at the item dimensions, it's only about 4 sq. inches.Half of the 112 pages just has a large number to tell the number of the tip!It had some good tips, but I would recommend it more for gift-giving, would be nice for a beginning cake decorator. ... Read more

Product Description
*Written by a popular and experienced cake designer

*Range of techniques and skill levels ensures broad appeal

*Lindy's other best-selling titles include Celebrate with a Cake (28,000 copies sold) and Party Animal Cakes (20,000 copies sold)

Readers will discover a collection of 15 truly inspirational and deceptively simple celebratory cakes, each with a modern and distinctive finish. Lavish colour photographs display a unique variety of traditional and contemporary styles from florals and frills to stripes and beadwork. Each cake is accompanied by exquisite mini-cakes to put a creative twist on the main theme, or to make as an alternative when time is short. Chapters are divided by shape, showing how a simple square or round design can be the basis for the most desirable of cakes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

cambio de dirección
Hice un cambio de dirección, los envían productos aquí:

YANETH RIVERO
2012 McElderry ST
BALTIMORE, Maryland 21205-2215
De los Estados Unidos
Teléfono: 4107328701

great
As far as cake books go this is one that i found very useful easy to understand and lots of pics full of ideas to!

Lots of ideas!
This is a great book with some wonderful decorating ideas.I love how she gives many different options to save time or do smaller versions of the same cake.The cakes are beautiful with lots of detail and step by step instructions.She does use "cake jewelry" though on almost all of her cakes which I probably would not do--it's just extra work that is not edible.Overall it's a great reference book for any cake decorator!

Inspire and Desire- very aptly named!
I am so glad I purchased this book! I can already bake a delicious cake, but now I am trying to learn how to make them beautiful too and this book fits this need perfectly.While the beginning of the book does give a few recipes and give advice on how many portions you get with different sized cakes, the bulk of it focuses on the decorating.And what fantastic designs!There is a very detailed section on making cake jewelry- think beaded toppers, cake fountains, tiaras and the like.Great ideas to make a cake very one-of a kind. The different cake designs run the gamut from art nouveau to pop art, ethnic designs inspired by India and Greece, nature based themes like falling leaves, flowers, and water, and cakes with a musical theme- even one for a wine connoisseur. Each of the designs has very detailed instructions, as well as suggestions for doing smaller cakes or making the design your own.There are plenty of different color schemes too- from all white cakes with pale beaded jewelry, to colorful topsy turvy cakes, to the serene feeling of the mosaic inspired sparkling fish cake.
While these cakes are very detailed, the explicit instructions make a "newbie" such as myself feel confident enough to try them.There is also so much in this book that even an experienced decorator should find much to inspire them.

really inspiring
the book is very inspiring, love the design, clear step-by-step picture
the downside for me is that there's not a lot of store to purchase the tools such as fondant cutters in various shape
so i just use waht ever i got, not as pretty as lindy's of course, but pretty good for a beginner ... Read more

Product Description
Painter and former Tiffany's designer Colette Peters presents complete instructions for reproducing 34 of her most gorgeous and inventive cakes. Step-by-step directions and more than 200 line drawings and color photos guarantee that even a novice will be able to create exceptional cakes from the very beginning. Includes recipes for white and chocolate cake, icings, and more. Color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Colette's Cakes: The Art of Cake Decorating
Mydaughter is juststarting out making cakes, and cupcakes. This was a greatgiftfor her, from an expert...

This book is wonderful
I am so impressed with this book. Not only are the cakes beautifully illustrated, but the instructions on how to create them are detailed and easy to understand. I'm not a professional, and only decorate cakes as a hobby, but I have to say that I'm looking forward to using this book.

Not for a beginner
This is a great book but it is not for a beginner you have to have already mastered some real skills on cake sculpting and lots of fondant experience.

Disappointed.
I also purchased this book because of the cover . The rest of the cakes in the book are nothing like it. The instructions are hand drawn which would have been much better with actual photos. It seems a cheap way out for production. I found the majority of the cakes very old fashioned (lace, flowers). So if you are after a book that is modern and full of stunning cakes this is not the book for you!

Awesome book
This is a great book. I love all the creative cakes and step by step instructions. I will continue to by Colette's books. ... Read more

Product Description
In this work, Linda Pawsey has created stunning christening cakes to inspire both the beginner and experienced cake decorator alike. From cakes decorated with storks, teddies and trains to bluebirds, there are designs to appeal to all tastes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good for beginer


I love this book.
It contains variaty photos and easy explains.
I think this book is good for beginers.

Absolutely enchanting!
This is a delightful and glorious gem of a book!! It was listed in the "Recommendations" section of Amazon and while I had wanted to check into it, I seemed to have taken my time. Take it from me, don't waste any of your time in getting this into your decorating library.

The finesse and genteel detailing of the delicate characters and scenery within this book has been aptly brought across by Linda Pawsey, who is quite the talented teacher of this craft. Her listing of accomplishments within the world of cake decorating extends not just to her own creations but to competitions she has entered into, as well as the other side of the table, that of judge. She has not spared any detail in this wonderful book.

There are 20 different "baby" cakes to chose from, and from that firm foundation, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination, as to what further idea's are within you. The photography is crystal clear, detailed, close-up, and in gentle, soft palettes of baby blues, pinks, greens, etc.

The cake batter recipes themselves should not be the reason for buying this book. Yes, while there are recipes included for batters and icings used, it is the intricate lines, stripes, and embellishments that pull the eye into the charm of this book.

The almost lifelike infants, toys, and creatures of the earth are the main event in each presentation. The instructions for each are given ample time and space, with details for any particularly intricate design.

Also, being the Ms. Pawsey is from "across the pond", you will be given measurements in both US and metric standards.

The book outlines as such:
INTRODUCTION

EQUIPMENT: This is an excellent section that discusses textures, templates and all the basics needed to create clouds, frills, ruffles, baby blcoks and much more.

RECIPES: I loved this in that it goes into the different mediums used (like gumpaste, rolled fondant, pastillage, edible "glue", etc) to make sugar objects such as letters, "prams", dresses, flowers, animals, etc.

PREPARING the CAKES: How to prepare your cake in the type of covering that will best suit the theme and look you desire.

THE CAKES:
A Gift for Baby (a simple, elegant creation using letters and ribbon)
Elegant Storks (simple, yet adorable set of storks perched near flowers)
Teddie's Presents (little bears bearing tiny gift boxes)
Little Angels (exquisite little angels lying/sitting of clouds of white)
Alphabet Heart (simple "tappit" letters on simple, flat "blocks")
Up, Up, and Away (a layered, flat bear holding layered, flat balloons)
Modeling a Crib (wow!! how to shape/mold a bassinet!)
Bib and Blossoms (a bib lying on the top of a simply flowered cake)
Duck's Bathtime ("bubbles" and a duckie in his bathtub atop the cake)
Making a Splash (my favorite! perched birdies on/around a birdbath)
Dainty Pram (a sugar carriage; delicate butterflies and scalloped edging)
Fit for a Princess (an exquisite "christening outfit" in a "box")
Delicate Rose Crib (Oh!!! a little baby sleeping in a big flower!)
Modeling Babies (how to make sugar babies freehand and with molds)
Sleepy Pals (hush little baby as you sleep with your bunny next to you!)
Jumbo Junior's Nap (baby elephant in his bed, base surrounded by a frieze)
Draped Lace Crib (baby in her crib resting on a darling cake)
New Arrival (a flat choo-choo train announcing a new arrival!)
Twin's Slumber (double the fun with two baby's and their bunny pals)
Chiffon Elegance (a covered cradle gently holding a blessing from God)
Fabric Effects (creating ruffles, fabrics, draping, etc)
Building Blocks (block cakes with your baby's letters)
Pink Booties (how adorable is this set of baby booties!)

TEMPLATES
SUPPLIERS
INDEX

I would highly recommend getting some of the supplies listed within the chapters as they are really some of the basics that you would use in other projects as well. The baby molds, tappit letters, flower makers, etc are well-worth the investment. Many suppliers are listed in the "Supplies" section, as well as other cake decorating companies both here in the States and abroad. If you "google" either "cake or baking supplies" or the actual item you are looking for, you will be given a multitude of places on this great planet of ours that will be happy to serve you.

This book was so much fun and one of the best, especially for this type of cake baking occasion. You will not be disappointed in any of these cakes as they are simple for a beginner, but they will bring many "oohs and ahhhs" to the more experienced cake creator because of that same simplicity.

Peace! ... Read more

Product Description
What's a cake? If you're living in the United States, a cake is a sweet, often layered dessert treat, usually frosted and served at a celebration such as a birthday, a wedding, or an anniversary. In France, patisseries offer edible works of art, combining architectural skill with a facility in combining sugar and flour. China is home to the mooncake, England gives us 'puddings' (which are often cakes!), Australia perfected the Pavlova meringue cake in honour of the Russian prima ballerina, and bite-sized fruit fritters are popular in West Africa. Author Krystina Castella became intrigued by the cultural history of cake when she hosted a bake sale with the international students she teaches and each student brought a cake from his or her family's heritage. This collection of international cakes was the beginning of "A World of Cake", an adventurous exploration of global cake culture. The fascinating culinary journey includes all kinds of fun-to-read facts, such as 'A Field Guide to Cakes', 'World Tour of Cake Holidays', and 'Family Trees' for each kind of cake. Clear instructions, illustrations, and hundreds of colour photos accompany the recipes.Who knew that edification could be this much fun? Or this delicious? Including doughnuts, fritters, dumplings, milk treats, candy, and frosting, "A World of Cake" is more than a cookbook, more than an anthropology lesson, and way more fun than a textbook. Where else could readers find an entire section devoted to cakes named after famous people? With subcategories? Castella embraces the spirit of celebration with this big, must-have book for anyone who loves making, eating, or just enjoying any version of a sweet treat. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Celebrating Cake
`A World of Cake' takes you from 5,000 BC to today, giving the history of cake, cake holidays with a chart from around the world and the cakes needed to celebrate these days. There is an informative field guide to cakes telling how cakes differ in diverse countries and the names of the kinds of cakes, i.e. fruitcakes, flat cakes, fried cakes. There are techniques, bake ware, illustrations and terms, histories of cakes such as angel food and lots of pictures of the cakes and the people and the surroundings appropriate to each kind.
Most of the cakes do not seem difficult to make. What would be the hard part, would be the decorating shown.

There are 150 recipes here from North America, Latin America, Western and Central Europe, Britain, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, The Mediterranean, Africa, The Middle East, Indian subcontinent, the Far East, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. An appendix gives toppings and fillings from around the world.

This is perhaps a cookbook with a higher degree of difficulty than for a cook who is used to having simple receipes but certainly not impossible. Collectors of cookbooks would definitely want this, as well as lovers of cake, even educators would have a use for this book that is really a more unusual kind of cookbook than the normal baking volume.

A World of Goodness Indeed!!
Let me start by saying that this is a beautiful book--not just full of recipes but so much more!It's not just a cookbook but you'll get a good geography and more than a few nice and informative history lessons too! I actually can't wait for my grandbabies to come so that I can READ to them out of this book! They will certainly enjoy the pictures (and the cakes).I have already picked out so many recipes that I can't wait to try. So many countries--so many recipes!! I'm working on one this evening! This book has me EXCITED!!I could hardly put it down! It's a winner and surely a keeper forever!! I had no ideal it would be this good!

If only all history books could be this good...
We made the German Chocolate cake this weekend- It was a 10 out of 10. The combination of textures between the filling and the frosting were sublime.

The histories of the cakes within their cultural origins created "an experience" beyond making a dessert for our dinner party.Everyone left a little more enlightened and insisted on taking a piece home for a family member.My Fiance's mom loved it too.One can only hope all history books are this exciting to read and fun to experience.Bravo Ms. Castella!



... Read more

Product Description
In Simply Cakes, Elizabeth Alston offers readers dozens of delightful recipes for three kinds if tasty and stylish cakes. She introduces angel food cakes, which are low in fat and cholesterol; chiffon cakes made with oil; and sweet, buttery cakes that keep especially well. There is a delicious and easy-to-make cake for everyone in this handy cookbook.

Simply Cakes provides clear, comprehensive instructions that will enable novices and seasoned cooks alike to become superb cake bakers. In her introductory material, Elizabeth Alston explains the differences among the cakes, how to use the ingredients to advantage, and what techniques work best with each cake. The recipes themselves reflect her expertise and creativity. Traditional pound cakes boast such new flavors as Sour Cream-Chocolate Chip, Hazelnut, Triple-Ginger, and Pumpkin. The angel food cakes are as airy as their names imply, but contain robust flavors like Carmel-Coffee, Apricot-Brown Sugar, and Lemon-Vanilla. And the chiffon cakes makes no compromises on taste, with Walnut-Date, Chocolate-Orange, and Mocha chiffon cakes featured. Simply Cakes ends with a section on sauces and toppings that make elegant accompaniments to the finished cakes.

With this book in hand, boxed cake mixes willbe a thing of the past. Elizabeth Alston's recipes are absolutely foolproofguaranteedand are masterpieces of clear, concise writing. The cakes are easy to prepare ahead of time and make delicious, irresistible treats for family and company. ... Read more

Product Description
An adorable collection of birthday cakes boasting the unique but easily achievable modeling skills of internationally renowned cake designer and sugar modeler Maisie Parrish. Each charming new design is ideal for creating extra-special birthday party cakes or for adding a unique personal touch tailored to the recipient. Includes the ever-popular cupcakes and minicakes and, for the first time, amazing sugarpaste techniques for adding graphic designs to compliment cakes and characters. With simple sugarcrafting techniques, figure modeling instructions and clear step-by-step photography, designs are ideal for both beginner and intermediate sugarcrafters. With over 25 character cake toppers and expert advice on covering, storing and transporting your cake, this is the ultimate birthday cake resource. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (42)

CakeLove
I was hoping for a more practical book. Contains a few recipes but alot of good information - a little disappointed.

I Love this Cakelove Cook Book
This is both--a super resourceful cook book and a beautifully photographed book. The instructions are well thought out and follow a direct line of thinking. He tells you how to pre-plan the arrangement of ingredients so you remember every ingredient that belongs in each cake . If you have ever forgotten to add an ingredient to a recipe, you know what I mean. Warren Brown's personality comes through each recipe which makes you feel that you know him and believe that he definitely knows how to bake Love into each cake.
I'm glad he wrote this book and I look forward to trying every recipe in it. I give it a Great Big Two Thumbs UP and Hope you will enjoy it as much as I have and do.

Great tips on from scratch baking
I really liked his story about how he left the law and started his bakeries. His tips for baking a cake from scratch are great. I tried a couple recipes and they were just ok. Overall I would recommend this book for people who want to learn how to bake from scratch.

Buy only if you want fabulous tasting cakes....
I have never read a cookbook like I have this one.It is a very fascinating read on baking.So far, the recipes are excellent!I have no regrets about buying this book.For those that weren't able to make the recipes work, I would suggest reading the whole book to better understand why he does things a certain way. Happy baking!

Excellent cookbook!Simple with dramatic results!
This cookbook helped me make some incredible cakes and cupcakes.Recipes were easy to follow.Warren Brown is very good at what he does!I have made a number cakes in this book as well as buttercreams and fillings.Everyone raves about the results! I'll purchase all of his cake cookbooks! ... Read more

Product Description
This gorgeous book contains 24 simple-to-make, exquisite designs for all kinds of wedding cakes. The striking color photos and easy instructions will aid anyone in creating the perfect cake. Ideal for brides, bakers, and caterers.
Recipes include a stunning Victorian cake with heavy scroll piping, traditional stacked cakes ranging from three to six tiers, distinctive Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Contemporary Wedding Cakes
This is one of the cake decorating books that give details and steps to how to decorate.The ideas are fresh and achievable.Stunning pictures. Highly recommended. A pleasure to just read and look at the photos.

Excellent for ideas!
I am in the process of planning my wedding and I just couldn't imagine what my cake would look like.While looking through all sorts of cake books, including this one, I found my perfect cake and have not found a more beautiful idea since!Although this book doesn't tell you how to make them very well...it has excellent pictures and you can easily take it to a professional and they could do it.I highly recommend this book to those who are looking for something different or for something elegant!

Creativity at its Best
The cakes in this book are not for the novice cake decorator.However for the experienced cake decorator it gives directions for some of the most amazing and beautiful cakes you have ever seen. If you are skilled beyond Wilton 1-2-3, and you are experienced in the use of rolled fondant and gum paste, give this book a try.

Unique wedding cake design ideas.
I enjoyed many of the off-beat ideas for wedding cakes in this book.Some of them are not very practical for the everyday wedding couple, but that being said, I sold two cakes based on photos from this book within the first week of purchasing it!Paid for itself already.Good directions for creating each of the styles shown.

Disappointing
I found this book to be disappointing at best.When I think of a cake book, I expect more than merely TWO cake recipes to be in it.Also, the decoration ideas, while unique, were somewhat childish looking.My advice: don't waste your time! ... Read more

Product Description
Re-creating the desserts in Classic & Contemporary Christmas Cakes may take some time, but the results are gorgeous. --Bon Appetit
Amazon.com Review
For the English, sugar paste (fondant) cake decoration is truly an art.Nadiene Hurst and Julie Springall are professional cake decorators inEngland, specializing in royal icing and sugar paste. They both teach andwrite for a variety of cake-decorating and bridal magazines. Eachof the more than 20 exquisite Christmas cakes photographed and described inClassic and Contemporary Christmas Cakes was done by one or theother.

Step-by-step instructions with photos follow ingredient lists socomprehensive they include even the tools and materials necessary tore-create these elaborate cakes. Each cake begins with either a traditionalRich Fruit Cake or an alternative Light Fruit Cake, and you can choosewhichever you prefer. The recipes for both are in the back, and they arescaled so that you can make as many cakes as you need, as large or as smallas you'd like. A recipe for royal icing is followed by instructions forcovering cakes and cake boards and for piping decorations.

Some of the cakes described are timeless. The Crown of Holly, the coverrecipe, is beautifully draped with a two-tone yellow sugar paste and amass of holly leaves and berries made of gum paste. Midnight Snowflakes is simple enough for beginners; covered with dark bluesugar paste, snowflakes made of royal icing are carefully piped on top. Itmay sound difficult, but there's a template for the intricate snowflakepattern in the back (there are templates for almost every design anddecoration shown in any of the recipes).

For a traditional Christmas gift, you could make a project out of YuletideSlices. Small slices of fruitcake are covered with marzipan and sugar paste,and then each one is decorated differently. The authors suggest making twoor three different designs and then arranging a few of each in gift boxes.The designs include simple ones like Stars, Trees, Ribbons, and Bells, andmore elaborate ones such as Taffeta and Holly, Fruits (made of marzipan),and Christmas Rose (made of gum paste).

There are also modern cakes like the brightly colored Three Kings, which is toppedwith gold stars springing out on wires, and Festive Drapes, a magnificentcreation decorated with gold holly leaves, pearl pears made of marzipan,and red taffeta drapes made of sugar paste. The recipes are certainlycomplex and time-consuming, and you'll need to find a good cake-decoratingsupply store for the tools and materials, but the final results will amazeand astound and be well worth the effort involved. --Leora Y. Bloom ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Oustanding as usual
I really like this lady.As the book name: Classic and contemporary...you will fine cakes for all tastes, and most important: new ideas! she does not come with the same as usual christmas cakes, so I will say she is more contemporary than classic...but for sure...she is fantastic.

Classic and Contemporary Christmas Cakes
Great illustrations and step-by-step instructions.The book is in excellant condition.

Classic and Contemporary Christmas Cakes
I bought this book as a gift for a keen cake maker. The collection of cakes illustrated are indeed inspiring and feature a broad range of themes. The instructions are clear and detailed. I am sure we will enjoy choosing and adapting many designs from this book.

So many ideas, so little time
A wonderful book to purchase with ideas for all occasions.Detailed instructions with pictures show you how.Many beautiful cake ideas to choose from.

Christmas Cake Inspiration
This beautifully photographed 112-page book features new and inspiring Christmas cake designs. Using vibrant Christmas reds, deep royal blues, and creamy ivory, these cakes beautifully capture the joys of the Christmas season.

The book includes a brief Introduction, and then is arranged by the individual cake. There are twenty-two unique designs featured in the book. Each cake contains an equipment list (metric and US conversions included), a listing of any special equipment required, a full-color photograph of the cake, and steo-by-step instructions on how to assemble and decorate the cake.

The cakes include: Christmas Cracker Surprise, the beautiful cover cake called Crown of Holly, and even decorated slices of fruit cake called Yuletide Slices.

Techniques used in this book include: Rolled fondant (used in the majority of the cakes), piped royal icing, Gum Paste, Pastillage, and Modelling. Recipes for Light Fruit Cake, Rich Fruit Cake, Rolled Fondant, Gum Paste, Pastillage, Modelling Paste, and Marzipan are included.

At the end of the book you will find templates for all of the cakes, and an equipment list with definitions.

While intermediate to experienced decorators will benefit most from these designs, beginning cake decorators will be able to adapt them for their skill level using the intructions provided. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of simplified cake recipes enables readers to prepare cakes in ten minutes with a minimum of tools and includes such selections as Chocolate Fudge Cake, Lemon Poppy Seed Cake, and Perfectly Plain Cheesecake. 20,000 first printing. First serial, Family Circle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Everything i thought it would be
First and foremost, i like that a little introduction is made for each recipe, so you know what you can expect from the cake, how moist it should be, the texture, the look of it etc. This somehow makes up for the lack of photos in the book. Also the recipes are true to form, only require one pot, is super quick for washing up, doesnt have a lot of ingredients, in fact Andrew Schloss promises each recipe will not have more than 10 ingredients and he is true to his word. The recipes that i have tried have turned out great, the cakes he has said would be moist are moist, and those he promises will be rich are rich. Theres nothing more i can ask for of this book, except that some photos would be nice. I also have his book One Pot Chocolate Desserts and that is a fantastic book as well! Its perfect for the busy person who wants to eat cake, but doesnt have a lot of time or fancy ingredients on hand. It would be faster to bake something out of this book than to go out to the shops to buy a cake, that has god knows what in it. Isnt it nice to bake something and know exactly what is in it?

Darn, can't find a copy to buy...
I see Mr. Schloss has written other books of a similar nature - one on cookies, chocolate, pasta, and another using 3 ingredients for meals.Haven't checked those out but this cake book is great.Rich simple cakes, what's not to like?Going to try the lemon poppyseed today and I already have the ingredients for the sauerkraut cake and the sesame one.(Shucks, I'll just xerox the recipes I'm dying to try since I can't find a copy of the book).

Wish I could pay the... purchase price...Its worth it!
I just happened to have checked this book out of our local library and it is breaking my heart to return it!
I've gone from hearing,
"This cake tastes like bread, Ma" and
" Whats wrong with the cake, Ma?" and
"Jen, maybe our oven is a bit wonky"
To hearing this:
" This is the best cake EVERMa!"and
" My goodness, Jeni, I have got to get this recipe from you!" AND my husband-- who usually claims to not enjoy baked goods--is eating his words---and my cakes now! I only wish that I could afford the... price tag! I'll just have to write down nearly every recipe in the book!
If you can afford this book----BUY IT!

Quick and Creative Versatility!
We do a lot of large group entertaining, intimate dinners for small groups, and carry dishes to church, school, and people's homes.This book is a must.With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create something delicious and hold your head proud.I enjoy using various pans for an added touch.Sometimes I'll pipe a little lemon curd, fruit preserves,or fresh fruit on top to guild the lily.If you use an oval pan, around 3x9 or so, you can get two cakes from one recipe.That gives one to take to a friend and one to keep for yourself at home.I find the recipes very versitle, which is great, depending on what you have in stock.I highly recommend it.Enjoy!<><

An AWESOME Cookbook
I absolutely love this cookbook. Most of the ingredients can be kept on hand for those last minute dessert needs, recently discovered bake sale. The results are consistent and yummy. All recipes can be made using just a pot, a spoon and a baking pan so you will love the clean-up. This cookbook has a lot of variety -- some of my favorites are Amaretto Cake, Chocolate Almond Torte, and Vanilla Butter Cupcakes. ... Read more

Product Description

Jill Foster makes cake decorating as easy as writing your name. With her unique write-way method, if you can write your name you can decorate a cake. Anyone can make beautiful homemade cakes like the ones seen in magazines.

This full-color, illustrated book includes a DVD demonstrating the original, handwriting-based, cake decorating techniques and offers tools, tips, and creative ideas for all sorts of holidays, including birthdays for all ages, religious events, baby showers, bridal showers, and weddings.

Customer Reviews (12)

Truly something anyone can make
I gifted this to my mom who likes trying out different things in the kitchen. She loved it because it has so many simple ideas, and she does not have to go to any specialty stores to find the ingredients. She can walk to the nearest Safeway and find most (if not all) of them!

Simply awesome!!
If you want to create cakes to delight the special people in your life, this is it.Using writing movements to make borders, etc. isan ingenious idea since everyone already knows how to make "a", "e", and "c" (and all the other letters, too!).I made "Sweet Lullaby" on page 100, a darling cake with a sleeping baby doll under a blanket.The expectant mother was thrilled with this inventive cake.And the rest of the ladies raved about it,too!I changed the colors to please the mother-to-be, and I used my own icing recipe which uses very little sugar.The book is great to jump-start thebrain. The creative juices flow, beautiful cakes result and the recipients are blessed.To God be the glory, great things He has done!!!

Perhaps a little simple for my taste
This cake decorating book works on the premise that we all can write or pipe our letters with our eyes closed and puts together several projects using just that premise.Promising but sadly for me not very special.Could be useful to someone just starting out with cake decorating.But I have to say the how to jazz up cake mix section to me, well, it just lost me there.Even then, the basics of getting the cake right as in icing it properly so the decorations have a great base was a bit light on.Just not my cup of tea I guess.

Hugely disappointing
As I write, I'm aware that my review is very different from the majority of others here. I have many cake / cupcake / cookie decorating books and this is the weakest by far. It's pretty much a one-trick pony, with all designs based on the author's own icing technique. I found the vast majority of designs to be uninspiring and old-fashioned (I thought the book might appeal more to older people?). All designs were based on a combination of icing styles and candy/ sweets primarily available in the USA. The only cake I would have felt proud about presenting at a party is the one that made it on to the front cover (which is why I bought the book and obviously how the saying 'never judge a book by its cover' came about!). I really felt I had to post this review to counteract all the other ones, in the hope that I can save someone else some money. I'm going to donate my copy to the local library - at least then someone else won't have to pay for it!. Personally I'd recommend any of the Australian Women's Weekly range of children's cake / party books (Kids' Perfect Party Book, Kids' Little Party Cakes, Kids' Party Cakes).

For Beginners
This is a very basic book for beginners. The concepts are a bit weak but the ideas can be elborated from for stronger cakes. ... Read more

Product Description
This tasted-and-tested collection spans the cake spectrum. The recipes include everything from classics to more adventurous suggestions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A lovely collection of many unique offerings, this will reach any library where cake cookbooks are popular!
CAKES TO DIE FOR! THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR CAKE LOVERS offers nearly two hundred sweet cake recipes for bakers of all skills levels, and offers a tasty survey perfect for any cake collection. It's organized by cake type - layers, cupcakes, coffeecakes and stack cakes and more - and peppers color photos with clear instructions. A lovely collection of many unique offerings, this will reach any library where cake cookbooks are popular!
... Read more

Product Description
Nothing brightens up a party or makes a celebration out of an everyday gathering like beautifully decorated cookies and cakes. Yet buying from boutique bakeries doesn’t have to be your only option—there’s a simple, fun way to have fabulous desserts at a fraction of the price. Simply Spectacular Cakes is the perfect guide for creating your own elegant, designer-quality confections that will impress friends and family.
 
Peggy Porschen—professional baker and designer extraordinaire, and author of Pretty Party Cakes—is known for her designs for cookies, mini cakes, and large cakes that are easy enough for anyone. Whether a seasoned baker or eager amateur, you can manage sophisticated designs such as the Tiffany Pearl Tiered Cake, inspired by various pieces of pearl jewelry, or Cherry Blossom Bites, little cakes that when grouped together look like a cherry tree in full bloom. Projects range from easy, such as icing cookies to look like retro candies, to those that call for more advanced handiwork, such as making flowers for the Anemone Cake. Beautiful photographs display the detail in Porschen’s decorations so that you can follow them exactly, or use them as inspiration to customize your own designs that match your skill level.
 
With vivid color photographs, helpful advice from an expert baker, and an extensive how-to section, this book has all the information you need to make professional-quality cakes and cookies in your own home. More beauty, more fashion, more style— Simply Spectacular Cakes has all the best design ideas for creating gorgeous and stylish desserts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

GREAT BOOK
I PURCHASED THIS BOOK FOR MY NIECE FOR CHRISTMAS..IT HAS GREAT PICTURES AND IDEAS ON CAKE DECORATING.I LOVE IT,AND I KNOW SHE WILL TOO!!

Beautiful book.
Beautiful cakes and other ideas. The reason I give it four stars instead of five is because the book gives instruction, but it could have used more. I'm glad I took some classes, so I knew what she was talking about.

not for the beginner
the recent price reduction for this book on amazon.com was too good to pass up.I was not disappointed.This book is more for the advanced user or intermediate with skills.While reading the text and instructions I had visions of the novice in a heap on the floor just crying with a mess all around.On most of these things, if you don't know what you are doing, or can break the instructions down to managable sections, you will not be able to pull many of these projects off.But with a little previous experience an eye for detail and a steady hand, these projects are worth the time and effort.

Great book
This is a wonderful cake book to have in your collection. It has some wonderful ideas and great photographs. I am thrilled with this purchase!

don't be fooled
This book, even though wonderful, also is the same exact book under a different name - Cake Chic.I now own both which are EXACTLY the same.Don't be fooled. ... Read more

Product Description
Move over Betty Crocker--101 Things to Do With a Cake Mix will amaze your friends and leave them Jell-O green with envy! From Snickers Surprise Cookies to Christmas Rainbow Poke Cake, it's the best thing to happen in the kitchen since your last romantic rendezvous! So what are you waiting for? Grab a cake mix, whip up some goodies, and throw some flour on your face so it looks like you spent days in the kitchen. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

This review is only for Kindle edition
Kindle users - be warned that some recipes are not displayed correctly. I think it's because the recipes are in a table format.But in any case in many recipes the quantities are not lined up correctly with the ingredients.Also a table number is listed,mysteriously, as part of each recipe.

Cooking with Cake Mix
10l Things To Do with a Cake Mix Book.This is a wonderful book if you like to do alot of baking with cake mix.Different ideas what to do with cake mix and cheap.

My sister loves this book
I got this for my sister for Christmas one year.She thought some of the recipes were darn right creative and just what she needed for all those 0.98 cent boxes of cake mix she picked up.Always fun to try something new.

small, simple. with spiral binding.
Its great when you have to come up with a dessert. The book lays flat so you can use the book without fighting the pages.

My Go-To Dessert Book
This book makes it so easy to turn out truly delicious desserts and cakes.The ingredient lists are simple, so you can usually get started with things you already have in your pantry. ... Read more

Product Description

This delightful little book contains a veritable treasury of enticing, easy, and fun-to-make cakes and treats -- straight from the kitchen of the Charleston Cake Lady. At last home bakers can learn the secrets that have made her cakes legendary. Here, for the first time, are the coveted recipes for her bestsellers, such as Milk Chocolate Cake (a light-as-air, but deeply chocolate-flavored confection), Crunchy Pound Cake (a delightful, crunchier version of the classic recipe), and Chocolate Chip Cake (guaranteed to become an immediate family favorite).

Intensely flavorful, moist, and addictive, the cakes are so easy to make they can be prepared in almost no time at all. A real boon to busy cooks, the Cake Lady's simple recipes deliver classic flavors without requiring fancy equipment, complicated instructions, or lengthy ingredients lists. Along the way, the author makes helpful suggestions about baking, serving, and storing the cakes. Her recipes are foolproof and the cakes taste so rich they don't even need to be frosted! They freeze, pack, and ship beautifully, too, which makes them ideal for gift giving. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Wonderful Book by a Lovely Southern Lady
I have both cookbooks written by Teresa Pregnall, and treasure both of them. This one offers more "mix type" recipes, and her Special Recipes from the Charleston Cake Lady has more "made from scratch" recipes.

Buy this book for her Gem Cake recipe!It's a super easy sponge-cake-like light pound cake that starts with a cake mix.It's wonderful!No one has ever guessed it uses a cake mix.

Both books are filled with entertaining stories and are a joy just to read.You should get them both while they are still in print!

A no-frills approach to baking that yields consistently good results
I am not an experienced baker, but every cake I have made from this book has been excellent!The ingredients lists are short and the directions are simple.Believe me, if I can bake, then anyone can.

A Lovely Southern Sojourn
I received this book as a gift.I love it. I found Teresa Pregnall's candid comments about her recipes fascinating.She offers charming stories about each recipe, and surprisingly, she admits that some of her recipes call for cake mixes (reminiscent of the Cake Doctor recipes).I've made a number of the cakes, both the "scratch" recipes and those calling for a cake mix, and every one has turned out beautifully.Her pound cakes (I especially loved the Cofectioners' Sugar Pound Cake), bundt cakes, muffins, etc. are easy to make and have flavor and goodness that brings back memories of the desserts I ate as a child. This "Treasured Recipes" book would be a nice fit in anyone's collection, and I also recommend her companion book, "Special Recipes".

The solution to the flops
I have now made the coconut carrot cake, the carrot cake and the gem cake.They all turned out well and I have used adaptations of them for wedding cakes and special event cakes in my catering business.

I have a tip for anyone who is making any cake from any recipe - do not use all-purpose flour - use cake flour for cakes.Using cake flour will make all the flops work out much better.I found the gem cake a bit on the eggy side (4 eggs will do that) but once I iced with a homemade whipped cream based icing and real strawberries it was fine.

What I've noticed about this and many other cookbooks is that there is an assumption made by the author that people know what they are doing in the kitchen.Since often this is not the case I would recommend that folks read:The Cake Bible first and perhaps another book about cakes from scratch. Then read this book and only using real cake flour make the cakes that seem interesting to you.

Disappointed but maybe I am wrong
I think that people who buy this book should know that many of the recipes require the use of a cake mix.It may be that when I actually make the cakes, I will regret what I write now, but until then I am feeling a little short changed.Surely Mrs. Pregnall does not use commercial cake mix in her own shop. ... Read more

Product Description
Ideal for beginning and experienced cakemakers, The Wedding Cake Decorator's Bible is packed with design ideas, methods and techniques for making and decorating unforgettable wedding cakes. Full step-by-step photographs and descriptions make this book an invaluable resource for a variety of wedding cake designs.

• Features techniques for fondant icing, piping, ribbons, trim, sugar flowers and more
• Convenient spiral binding allows the book to lie completely flat for ease of use

Customer Reviews (10)

Not your usual Alan Dunn book
As an ardent Alan Dunn 'groupie' I never hesitate to order a new Alan Dunn, even before it gets to press. I confess to having mixed feelings about THIS Alan Dunn book.

On the up-side, it does deliver to a moderate extent as a 'cake decorator's bible' in that it has a chapter dedicated to many cake decorating techniques, including some of the more 'modern' techniques such as stencilling, gelatine work and molds. Basic techniques like covering cakes with marzipan, royal icing, fondant and buttercream are included; as are the traditional techniques such as piping, lace-work and crimping. In addition, there is some attention to the high quality flower moulding that is Dunns's trademark. And the written and graphic instructions are up to Dunns usual high standard.

On the downside, it seems to lack substance as it only skims the surface of each technique. I can recommend it for someone who wants a good 'overall' manual on cake decorating, but it's not my favourite Alan Dunn book.

Great book!!
Just rec'd the book and I love it! Clear, step by step pictures on cake decorating and I can't wait to try out some of the techniques.A must have for any cake decorator, this book will be a classic!!

The Wedding Cake Decorator's Bible
I love this book, it is chock full of very interesting techniques and information. So what if there isn't a receipe for fondant! I want to spend my time USING the fondant, not laboring over it. I can buy great tasting fondant! This is a book for inspiration. True, there aren't many pictures of finished cakes, but I really don't want to copy some elses work. This might not be a book for beginners but for someone a bit more advanced, it's great. It is like finding a book that has picked the brain of one of the BIG GUYS. He shows a technique and then gives you variations on that theme so you can use it in your own unique way. It is a great buy, I think. Not every book on the market needs to meet the demands of a beginner, after all, once you get going, you won't be beginner forever! Then you will want a book like this to spur you on to bigger and better cake artistry! If you like fondant roses, he has a book out with Tombi Peck all about those beautiful flowers. Once again, NOT a beginning book.

Not just for wedding cakes
I am not particularly interested in making wedding cakes but bought this book thinking it might provide help with techniques and ideas.I was not disappointed and in fact got more than I had hoped for.The book is divided into four sections:1.Foundations, which covers tools, equipment and coating techniques. 2.Designing a wedding cake. 3.Decorative Techiniques including Modeled rose, crimper work, frills and flounces, embossing, cut-outs, stenciling, gelatine work, piping bags, piping designs, piped embroidery, brush embroidery, lace, clay gun techniques, Battenburg lace, sugar ribbons, sugar accents, molds, cocoa painting, buttercream flip, chocolate decorations, ribbon, fresh flowers, and crystallized flowers. 4.Sugar Flowers.Alan Dunn is a master of sugar flowers and this section includes instructions for various roses, lilies of the valley, calla lilies, Asiatic lilies, Cattleya orchids, and various leaves and fillers.(There are also instructions for chocolate or marzipan roses in section 3.) I would highly recommend this book.

I love this book!
I own a small cake business.I have bought at least 20 books in the past year to help me.Out of all the books I have, this is the one I use the most! I highly suggest it, especially for people who would like to improve their gum paste flowers :) ... Read more

Product Description
The complete guide to creative baking with cake mix–new from Betty Crocker

No one knows cake mix–and how to make it look and taste great–like Betty Crocker! This easy cookbook and guide helps home bakers use cake mixes to make 150 tempting cakes, cookies, crisps, crumbles, and other delicious dessert treats. There are recipes and instructions for Bake & Take Cakes (cakes that travel well for busy cooks-on-the-go), Holiday Cakes (perfect for year-round festivities from Valentine’s Day to Halloween to Christmas), and even a Fabulous Frosting and Glazes chapter (with easy decorating and frosting ideas and illustrated how-to’s). From simple bar cookies and cheesecakes to showstoppers like a Ballet Slippers Cake, a White Wedding Cake, and even a Gingerbread Cake Cottage, there are recipes to satisfy the culinary cravings of both beginning and seasoned bakers. More than seventy full-page, four-color photographs–plus step-by-step line illustrations–make this book very visual and user-friendly, while the book’s concealed wire binding, which allows it to open flat, is perfect for convenient cooking. The result? Proof positive that great desserts really are a piece of cake–with Betty Crocker. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Fast, Fun, and Fabulous Cake Mix Recipes
I LOVE this recipe book. It has so many fast and fabulous recipes - all starting from a cake mix. I have used it for great dishes for family gatherings, to treats for church choir, to tasty desserts for work parties. Everyone loves the things I've made, they taste like they're made from scratch.My daughter liked it so well I got her one for her birthday!!!

Cake Mix Cook Book
I rated Betty Crocker Cake Mix Cookbook with five stars.Beautiful pictures makes one hungry and so many different ideas using cake mix, such as cookies, etc.

ultimate cake book
Love this bookLots of ways to use cake mixes.easy recipes
great way to impress your friends and familyyummy too

great
I love my cookbook. It was in excellent condition and I received it in a very fast time after ordering. Thank you.

Excellent Cake Book!
This book has tons of great recipes for a cake mix.I honestly didn't know you could do this much with one!I can't wait to begin trying them out.I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Product Description

150 tempting designs with no-fail instructions.

The Cake Decorator's Motif Bible presents 150 foolproof motifs to create that special cake for any occasion, from simple and fun to elegant and elaborate. Using easy-to-follow instructions and illustrated templates, the book takes the home baker through all the steps: from making the right amount of fondant or marzipan, to choosing and sizing a design and transferring it to the cake.

The book includes icing and fondant recipes, seasonal designs, patterns and borders, 3-D models, marzipan fruits and figures, and sugar flowers. Features include:

• 188-page design directory
• Large full-color photograph of the finished motif
• Black-line template size guides
• Dough gauge showing how much fondant to make
• At-a-glance color listing in recipes
• Flat, low-relief, three-dimensional and piped motifs
• Tips on application
• Mixing and matching motifs
• Designs graded for difficulty.

The Cake Decorator's Motif Bible is wiro-bound for easy lay-flat use. It provides innovative inspiration with complete and truly fail-safe instructions for unforgettable results every time.

Customer Reviews (16)

Good design resource
I am impressed with the layout of this book and the massive amount of color reference photos. That is what I look for in a cooking/baking book, since I am a visually-oriented person and need the photos to create interest in my brain. However, I think that the actual designs of the fondant motifs are somewhat outdated compared to the fondant work that I am seeing out there in the industry. The designs and the finished products look a bit amateurish to me, like maybe they would have been popular a while back, but not necessarily any more. Perhaps I am just a fondant snob. I also did not know that the designs in the book were for ONLY fondant. I kind of expected ideas and patterns for other methods of creating cake embellishments, such as Royal Icing or the use of melting wafers. To me, this just isn't a very sophisticated book. It seems more elementary to me. But I will still use it, just not as much as I thought I would.

Great Book for beginners!
I am new to fondant and I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it; be it reading, making or decorating. This book is definitely for beginners. People who have never worked with fondant before and this is their first time. It will give a simple way of working with fondant without all the cutters and all complicated tools. You will need to get some basic tools, but I substituted lot of tools with forks, tooth picks and other stuff I could find at home. All you need is a little creativity and I am sure you can too. Also the book is easy to understand in terms of language or instructions. Its not possible to not understand the instructions, combined with the pictures. Once you start making the motifs, you will understand the instructions even better.

That being said its a good book of ideas. The motifs in here are mostly simple and doable, and very much versatile. You can adapt the ideas and use it to form a theme or create your own theme using the ideas from the book as a base. Most of the motifs are 2D, as someone here mentioned, only a few are 3D; But even the 2D have a kind of bulge to them, that is they are not completely flat. While that may not be a drawback, some people might not find it good enough. Again this is a book of fondant motifs, so there aren't any recipes for cakes and stuff only a few basic ones to start with. But I didn't expect it to have any recipes, neither should you.

To sum it up

Pros:
* Excellent pick for beginners and starters
* Easy to understand and implement
* Even a total newbie can do it
* Lots and lots of ideas
* Ideas and the book itself is very versatile
* Very much inspiring

Cons:(Well kind of)
* Most motifs are 2d and very few 3d (but then the 2d motifs are not flat, they have certain bulge to them which makes then almost like 3d)
* Too simple for advanced or good sugar and gum paste artists

Finally its a book of fondant motifs and it does what it says. It deserves the 5 stars.

Absolutely wonderful !
My 13 year old girl loves it so much. She can even make the designs herself just by simply following the easy-to-follow instructions. I got crazy and purchased 2 copies of this book. Very precise and detailed.

Cake Decorator's Motif Bible
Great ideas, a bit short on 'how to' but if you're the least bit experienced you should be able to figure it out.Good images and ideas, some good basics for baking...

Beautiful Book
Wow, what a beautiful book! I bought it for my granddaughter who is interested in cake decorating. There are 150 designs with simple instructions, which I think anyone could easily follow. The designs range from simple to elaborate with full-color photographs. I was very pleased to give her this copy. I highly recommend it.


... Read more

Product Description

In Sweet Celebrations the woman InStyle called "New York's reigning cake diva" shares her recipes, designs, techniques, and tips in a gloriously illustrated book.

Bon Appétit called master baker and decorator Weinstock "the Leonardo da Vinci of wedding cakes," and her stunningly original creations have graced the celebrations of Oprah Winfrey, Ted Turner, and Whitney Houston. Her repertoire includes not just grand, romantic, floral wedding cakes but cakes appropriate for all of life's festive moments. Now she shares her expertise with bakers who want the perfect cake to commemorate that very special occasion.

Sweet Celebrations includes cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, bon voyage send-offs, victory parties, and more. Graded according to difficulty, there are cakes for the beginning as well as the experienced decorator. Present your favorite graduate with a richly bound pile of books, welcome a newborn with a delectable stack of pastel-colored blocks, or serve the charming cottage cake at a housewarming. Each of the featured twenty-four cakes is shown in full color, with complete step-by-step instructions for baking, assembling, and decorating. In addition there are many inspiring photographs of the fabulous cakes Weinstock has created for clients around the world.

The book provides recipes for cakes, frostings, and fillings, as well as detailed illustrated instructions on decorating techniques. Sweet Celebrations is a must-have volume for home and professional bakers who want to make and serve cakes that taste as good as they look.Amazon.com Review
Sylvia Weinstock designs beautiful cakes. Sharing that opinion are Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, and several Kennedys, among other clients ofWeinstock's New York cake business. In Sweet Celebrations, Weinstockand coauthor Kate Manchester show readers how they can produce similaredible fantasies--bedecked beauties for all occasions, from weddings,birthdays, and anniversaries to bon voyages, bar mitzvahs, and babychristenings. Readers wanting to learn or refine cake-decorating skills, orthose interested in this ever-evolving craft, will welcome the book.

Beginning with basic cake, filling, icing, and wash (syrupy soak) recipes,Weinstock then presents fundamental and advanced cake-designing techniques,including sugar dough work, flower and ribbon creation, and piping methodsof all kinds. She then offers 24 cake projects of her own design,each illustrated in color, with detailed blueprints for their construction.Of these, readers will doubtlessly be most entranced with Weinstock'ssignature flower- and fruit-wreathed marvels such as her Peach Rose WeddingCake and Marzipan Fruit Cake, but other Weinstock classics, including theHatbox Cake, the "lace"-covered Cornelli Heart Cake, or the Clown Cake(perfect for children's parties), will prove equally tempting. Weinstockoffers a level of difficulty notation for each cake so readers can choosetheir projects wisely and advance as their decorating skills develop. Notthe least of Weinstock's success is due to her commitment to producingcakes that taste as good as they look, further cause for celebrating withher special creations. --Arthur Boehm ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

not too informative if you are a novice
Beautiful cakes, of course, they are Sylvia's! But as a novice cake decorator I didn't find the book helpful.

Sweet Celebrations
Oh my goodness! The recipes in this book are to die for.Sylvia has The Best Spice Cake recipe in here, you've just got to try it. Yummy!!! No wonder she is in such demand, her cakes are fabulous and her flowers, are unbelievable. This is the got to have book if you never get another one.

Horrible
This Book is horrible. I was so eager to get it and when i did i was extremely disappointed. All the cakes are so old and outdated
and nothing is done in fondant. Even the tutorials suck. Theres just some crappy sketches. I'd return it but it probably cost more to ship
it back than what i paid for it. Now I know why i got it so cheap from the seller.
I read the reviews before i bought this book and i really wish i had listened. Now I know better.
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK.
I've actually gottan some good advice about cake books. Borrow them from the library first. If you find one
you really want, then buy it. That way you wont be disappointed like i was with this book.

Not impressed
I bought this book because I wanted scrumptious cake recipes and in my opinion the food network has better tasting and less tedious cakes. The chocolate cake in my opinion was too blan not rich and decadant as expected and the buttercream frosting was good but I've had others that were just as good and didn't require as much work with the egg whites.

Outstanding
Upscale - Gives great ideas for cake suggestions.This book will be a great working tool and assist me in my every day work as Sr. Mgr., Meetings and Special Events, specializing in Weddings, in a 5 star 5 diamond property. ... Read more