Cake Class #3

Last night was a really fun cake decorating class.  I actually learned a lot of new skills and had a good time practicing and then finally decorating the cupcakes we brought along to class.  I ended up using these delicious Dark Chocolate Cupcakes from Brown Eyed Baker as well as her Chocolate Buttercream Frosting and her Vanilla Buttercream Frosting since I didn't like the way the class frosting turned out last week.  I did end up adding some meringue powder (just a couple tablespoons) to the frosting for the sake of creating a crust on the flowers we designed.  I didn't put the frosting in the fridge either...I just left it in tupperware containers in the garage until we left for the class.  The frosting worked perfectly for piping, and it tasted oh so delicious!  I was especially happy because I got away with the all butter frosting...I was trying really hard to avoid adding shortening if I didn't have to.

We learned how to make shells, leaves, rosettes, drop flowers, a pompom flower, a shaggy mum and the fancy looking swirl of frosting on the cupcake.  Our teacher also showed us if we do the reverse of the fancy swirl (starting from the middle and working our way out), it creates a rose design on top of the cupcakes.  This is not an official method of the class we are taking, but I thought it was wonderful that our teacher was willing to show us tips and tricks that she has learned along the way.

I was surprised that most of these decorating skills are not that complex.  In fact, I was amazed at how easy some of them were...like the leaves, for example.  It was nice to actually do well in one of the cake decorating classes as well...nothing like taking  a class and feeling like a failure.  That feeling didn't creep in last night although some of the skills I had to practice a little more than others.

It was a fun evening, and now I have some new skills to use for cupcakes and cakes.  I am not sure how often I will make flowers due to having two little boys, but that doesn't mean I can't use these neat flowers for fun or for other occasions or family members.