My reflections of 2012.. and not forgetting a BIG HELLO TO 2013!!

Hello to my dear readers of My Baking Journal Blog...

It had been quite awhile again!.. Since my last blog posting.. =)) 

Now.. here's a BIG HAPPY YEAR 2013 TO ALL!

Hope you all had been fine so far! 

It had been such an eventful year 2012 for me. And I decided to share stories, or rather, a reflection of my 2012..and my little accomplishments. =) 

A year had past in a blink.. and a total of 27 fondant cakes creations! Not forgetting other creations from cupcakes, cream cakes, mousse... to bakes i've done for my family. Well.. when I was being asked which of my fondant cake creations I like the most? My answer is... EVERYTHING! To me, every cake is a new creation and a masterpiece. Equal effort was spent regardless the complexity. Brainstorming ideas and getting inspirations for the cake design may take a little while, but I love this Cake Art alot! =) 

My Reflections....Imaginations started to run wild after I did the Majong Cake. That time, the Majong Cake had received quite alot of compliments and shock. I guess majority did not expect me to do big tile.. not one, but TWO big tiles! Hahaa.. and almost mistaken me as a gambler. Seriously the idea stuck me of a sudden, and was happy that the idea was well-received. Soon after, I started doing sculpting and crafting works. One of my unforgettable experiences, was to build a bull dozer. Of year 2012, this bull dozer cake was one of my 'mega' cakes which I spent the most working hours. Meantime, I was most honoured to create a Wedding Cake! Also.. chances to create lovely masterpieces for birthdays and anniversaries! Really a BIG thank you for all the experiences! =)

Another milestone of 2012, is that I've choose to further my studies in Baking. =) 

Friendly classmates and we all feast on a Christmas Celebration in class! =)) With logcake, turkey, smoked ham..etc. 

Took a class photo after the mini celebration.. Sadly, one classmate decided not to continue. 

Year 2013 had started.. with the first fondant birthday cake done! I'm looking forward to more upcoming opportunities/events to showcase my creations. =) Let me know if you require my service. =p

Last but not least, I'm taking a short break off baking as I'm off to my mini vacation soon! See you in next posting...which will be VERY SOON!! =)) 

My First Cake for a Wedding

This is definitely another milestone of my baking journal! 

I felt very honoured and surprised when i was offered a chance to create a cake for a Wedding lunch which was held in a hotel. The couple had provided the porcelain cake topper, which is the icon for the cake. Once the design had been set, I'm really excited to get things going.... 

Preparation for all necessary ingredients, spent hours baking in the kitchen, tier-ring the cakes, decorating with fondant and piping works.. then ta-ta!.. Transformed to a Wedding Cake! The rewarding moment came when the cake was well-received. What is more pleasant than that? =) 

Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity! =))

Story of a little apprentice.. ME! =)

Greetings all readers!.. =)

Yeah, that's ME! =) I'm a little apprentice baker now. 

After obtaining the decorating certificates...
and with the support of my family, I had moved to the next milestone of my life, with the next training. 

I like baking, especially fondant cakes handling alot. 
Long hours of serious hard-work but in return, a new experience gained in every project, making all very worthwhile. I'm really thankful to all the wonderful exposures I had so far and I look forward to every new learnings. 

(My previous projects)..

I'm happy to be a step closer to my dreams and hope I can preserve. 

Sharing this happy news to all supporters of My Baking Journal. =)

Currently, only weekend events orderings are available, as most of my weekdays are taken up. 
Please check with me for the available dates. =)

Not forgetting... Have a great weekend everyone! =) 

Bulldozer Cake

The bulldozer cake is another cake that brought my 3d crafting skills to a new height. The first vehicle cake which i sculpted and also being the first cake modelled on a very large cake board.  So, it's two milestones together. =)

The sculpting progress went on smoothly. Just that it actually took up more time than expected, and to get everything in place for the first vehicle cake. 

After constructing this cake, i'm prepared for future big-sized cakes! =) 

Happy to have this experience. 

More fondant cakes fin :
My Baking Journal: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.358788930807109.93491.358713107481358&type=1&l=af941e7bf8

Fondant

Moving on to the next tutorial on Fondant!

What are fondant cakes?
Fondant cakes are cakes covered in a sugar dough consistency coating. The creations for fondant are really endless, from decorations to centerpieces, to the covering of the cakes.

Is Fondant edible? Or do people usually eat fondant?
Yes, it is!
Though fondant is a 'cake protector' as it's the outest layer, some people do eat fondant, some eat abit, while some don't. It is pretty up to personal preference.

Is Fondant sweet?
Sweetness level differs from indivdual's judgement. Some will feel it's very sweet while some feel is reasonable. But it's always advisable to take just a reasonable serving.

Can fondant cake keep in room temperature?
Fondant cakes actually holds up very well in cool, well ventilated area of the event. After cake cutting and for storage purposes, it must be put in the fridge.

Difference with a fondant cake and a cream cake.
The cream cake has a lighter texture, but both taste equally good. =)

Buttercream

Buttercream

(Picture is of Chocolate Buttercream)

What is Buttercream?

Buttercream is a type of icing, which can be used as a filling or as a frosting. 

(Used on top of cupcakes as picture shows)

How does Buttercream taste like?

Buttercream is light and creamy.When Butter ,as a part of the ingredients, is used, it yields a light buttery taste too. 

Can Buttercream cakes keep in room temperature?

Buttercream cakes can be placed in cool, well ventilated areas during an event. But due to our hot humid weather, proper storage of the cakes must be done in the fridge.

Can i have a flavoured/customized tinted buttercream ?

Yes! Buttercream can be flavoured and tinted. (Information of colours palette) . Please check with My Baking Journal for the flavour or colours available. 

Icing Colours Palette

Hey all,
It's my first written post in My Baking Journal blog here!
Ok, i decided to pen on the Icing colours palette as my very first written post. 
I try to write as comprehensive as possible and as a start-off simple guide to baking terms. =) 
Hope this is beneficial to people to want to understand more.  

What are 'Icing colours'?
Icing colours are the edible food colours which can be tinted on cakes, cream, fondant..etc.

What about Icing colours palette?
In the market, there're few icing colours brands available, and all offered a wide range of colours like below chart: (Picture colours namings based on Wilton)

As you can from the chart, interesting colours of 'Black' and 'White' are actually available! 
Some people may not be comfortable eating something 'Black' coloured, but not to worry, they're really safe for consuming. =)

How to create a lighter/darker tone colouring?
You can purchase the colour of the next lighter/darker shade. Or adjust the colour density accordingly to the amount of colouring used.