Cake #2 - A little on the wild side

For those of you who are just as excited about my cake decorating classes as I am....Here is Cake #2! It's pretty funny and I think it's cute. We were supposed to use the trees that we made with an ice cream cone and royal frosting. We were also supposed to use little plastic creatures, make a lake and grass, and the dreaded shell border. While most everyone else in my class picked little dear and made their cakes cutesy, I decided that I would be different. Why be the same when you have the chance to be different right? So I used a snake and a frog. The snake is actually sneaking up on the frog, but it's such a little snake that my money is still on the frog. 

Overall, I really like my cake. I thought it was really fun to make and even more fun to watch people's expressions as they realize there is a frog and a snake on it. This is what I love about my culinary minor. I love having a chance to be creative and attempt being artistic. 

Things I think I improved upon:

• My Cake was very smooth this time, and you couldn't tell if it wasn't on top anyways. 
• My shells improved after some one on one assistance from my awesome teacher. 
• I think I was much more creative this time. 

Improvements for the future: 

• I want to continue to get better at my shells. I would like them to come naturally and not just be a stroke of good luck. :) 
• My Trees are a little funny in spots. Piping royal icing is surprisingly hard! I want to build my hand strength. 
• My grass......oh the grass.... I would like to actually know how to make it look good....... Rather than jungle-ish.

 Hopefully my cakes aren't much too amateur for or boring for your interests! I hope you will continue to enjoy this journey through my cake decorating class with me!

My "First" Cake

Did I mention that I'm taking a Cake Decorating class this semester? I am so excited about it. It really is my favorite class so far (this semester). I'm no expert (well duh, I've only been in the class for 2 weeks). But I hope to really learn somethings that will make me one, or at least help me make awesome cakes. This first cake, for my assignment, was supposed to be basic: 2 layers (mine were a little short), a filling, a shell border top and bottom, 3 other icing techniques, and 3 colors. Since I am just learning, I tried to do some basic things. I also tried not to over do it. I have a tendency of being over decorating. This one is simple and I like it. I expect to get better as the semester goes, but this one is ok for my first assignment.

Things I would like to improve upon

• I think my cake could be more smooth.
• I hate making a shell border. I am soooooo bad at it, but it's a basic thing and I guess I really should know how to do it well. 
• Become a little more creative.
• Steady out my writing a little. 

Some things that I have learned that may help you:

• If you want your cake to come out of the pan beautifully, spray the pan , then line the bottom with parchment (not wax paper) that is the same size as the bottom of the pan. Spray again. Your cake will come out like a dream. 
• Patience is important. Ugh, there's that p word again. But I really did much better when I took my time. 
• While it's fun to learn how to decorate a cake, if it doesn't taste good, what's the point? :)

I'm so excited to share more cakes with you this semester, and hopefully you can learn along with me!