Over the Counter #86

Oh, I wish I could have my cake and eat it too! I was amazed by the decorating ideas and techniques while glancing through these cake decorating books as they passed over my library counter and under my scanner. ( And a little bit hungry too...)

First up was Fondant Modeling for Cake Decorators by Helen Penman.

From Firefly Books:

"Ever more popular, fondant cakes have been featured everywhere, from Martha Stewart Living to TLC's Cake Boss and the Food Network's Ace of Cakes. Fondant cakes are appearing at children's parties and are the standard for weddings. Home bakers are now learning how to save money by making and decorating their own fondant cakes. Suitable for all skills levels, Fondant Modeling for Cake Decorators is a practical reference to creating too-good-to-eat fondant models for cakes for all occasions.

The book describes essential techniques and materials, and it features recipes for all the essential elements of a fondant cake, such as cake layers, icings and fondant pastes. The 180-page model directory includes step-by-step instructions and unique "exploded" photographs that show individual components and how they fit together.

More than 600 photographs are complemented by thorough explanations of every technique, ensuring exceptional results every time. For the home baker who wants to create spectacular cakes and the experienced decorator looking for new inspiration, Fondant Modeling for Cake Decorators is a must-have resource. Helen Penman has been making fondant cakes for more than 15 years. She designs cakes for Cakes and Sugarcraft magazine and runs her own cake-decorating business, Too Nice to Slice."

Next up was Cake Decorating Skills by Tracey Mann.

From Firefly Books:

"An illustrated guide to turning baked treats into professional-looking culinary masterpieces. Cake Decorating Skills reveals professional cake-decorating secrets that can be easily mastered by even a novice baker. Step-by-step photography and clear instructions teach readers how to make quick and easy flowers, pretty piped patterns, perfect frosting and mouthwatering chocolate flourishes.
The book covers techniques and recipes for every kind of cake, filling, frosting, covering and decoration. Baking fancy cakes at home is a popular hobby, and enthusiasts are always looking for new inspiration and ways to improve their skills. Cake Decorating Skills is an essential addition to any baker's reference shelf."

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!)