Butterfly Cake

I've been taking some evening classes in cake decorating.  I really wanted to sign up for the cupcake decorating ones, I especially wanted to learn the skill of piping those swirly ice-cream swirls, but unfortunately  I was unable to sign up for them as all the dates were a Saturday and I had been scheduled to work those particular Saturdays.   So I opted for this evening class instead.

It was a six week course that ended last week.  I have to admit, I started off not particularly enjoying it and at the end of every class I had decided not to go back, but I did.  And I am glad I did, as  I have picked up a few new skills in cake decorating that I know I can develop and enhance in the future, should I choose to do so.

As well as learning to cover a Victoria Sponge cake or a Madeira Cake with icing, not easy as it seems.  Its got to be even, no lumps and bumps and no air bubbles too.  Its got to be smooth.  We were also taught to emboss and paint our cakes with edible food colouring,  I must add all of which are suitable for vegetarians. Its so amazing how a simple cake covered in white icing is suddenly transformed with a few tools and tricks of the trade.  Here is a photograph of my embossed Butterfly Cake.  

I have to admit, I did get a little tired after painting the fifth small butterfly on the side (so please don't look too closely at the paintwork).  I found them a little too fiddly, but the end result was worth it.

I was really pleased with my embossed Butterfly cake, even though the burgundy ribbon I picked out was a little to on the fat side.  Still, not bad for a first attempt.