FAQ
Over time, I have gotten comments on posts as well as emails with questions about cake decorating and other stuff. I have tried my best to compile all those questions and answers in this FAQ section.
As time goes on, I will add more questions and answers here.
FONDANT
How do your fondant-covered cakes look so smooth and shiny?
Once your cake is ready, steam it to make it smooth and shiny. I use a simple steam iron that I use for my clothes.
How do you store your fondant-covered cakes?
I make my cakes only 24 hours prior to serving. So, I keep them at room temperature until I serve. After serving, if I have leftovers, I just put it in the fridge coz I am no longer worried about how it will look.
Normally, I have noticed when I keep my fondant covered cakes in the refrigerator… they are fine as long as they stay there. But, when I take them out and they start to come to room temperature, the fondant looks like it’s “sweating” with little beads of water. That just ruins the cake!
I don’t like the way fondant tastes. What type of fondant do you use?
I make my own homemade marshmallow fondant and love it.
I have heard Satin Ice fondant tastes pretty good too but I haven’t tried it yet.
What can I use instead of shortening when I make marshmallow fondant? I don’t have access to shortening where I live…
Check out the comments in this posting on making marshmallow fondant. Many of my readers have been kind enough to share what they use instead of shortening.
Do you use halal marshallows for your fondant? Where do you buy them?
Yes, I use halal marshmallows. I buy them at Indian stores. They are a bit pricier than regular marshmallows like JetPuffs.
How do you color fondant?
I use gel colors. Don’t use liquid food coloring! It will make your fondant very sticky and messy to work with. The two brands I use are Wilton and Americolor. I did a detailed post and tutorial on coloring fondant that you should really check out.
RECIPES
Can you freeze cakes?
You canot freeze fondant or icing covered cakes but you can freeze freshly baked cakes. Just make sure to let them cool completely and then wrap them multiple times in saran wrap and put it in a sealed ziploc bag. I try to use my frozen cakes within 1 month.
What type of frosting do you use?
I really like buttercream icing which I use in almost all my cakes. I modify my buttercream icing, depending on the flavor of my cakes.
Sometimes, I also use crusting buttercream. It’s great for people who don’t like the taste of fondant but like the way it looks. Crusting buttercream gives your cake the look of “fake fondant.” I will share the recipe for this soon…
I follow a gluten free diet, vegan diet. Do you know how I can modify your recipe?
I am sorry…I wish i could help but I have no idea since I haven’t tried those modifications.
My recipes have been tested over and over again before I post them on my blog for everyone to see. I stand by my recipe 100%.
I STRONGLY believe baking involves science. All those ingredients and measurements I have provided for my recipes work together to create a great outcome.
Please make the recipe as I have instructed first AND if you still encounter problems, send me an email and we can work out the issue. Maybe it has something to do with the altitude or oven callibration or different brands of ingredients e.t.c….
TUTORIALS AND TECHNIQUES
I followed your tutorial but my cake doesn’t look as nice as yours… What did I do wrong?
You did nothing wrong. Cake decorating requires practice… LOTS OF PRACTICE and PATIENCE. Just keep going and don’t stop what you are doing. Trust me… you will see the improvement
Check out my early cake disasters and you will see how far I have come…
How can I create swirls on cupcakes?
I get this question ALOT. I have done a video tutorial on how to decorate cupcakes. In this tutorial, I show you how to make different designs,using different tips including the infamous swirl and rose.
How long does it take for you to decorate cakes and cupcakes?
That depends on the complexity of the design. If it’s something simple like making a swirl on a cupcake, it will probably take me a few seconds. But, making fondant and gumpaste figures, flowers and adding other details can take hours.
Can you please post a tutorial for ____? I need it by this date…
I don’t take special requests for tutorials. I am more than happy to assist you in any way I can through emails but fulfilling specific requests is not always possible..
You mention 50/50 in some of your tutorials. What is that?
50/50 is a combination of fondant and gum paste with 50% fondant and 50% gum paste. It dries faster than fondant but not as fast as gumpaste. Italso holds is shape betterthan fondant. I like to use it for cake and cupcake toppers.
How do you support your tiered cakes?
I use bubble tea straws in each tier and all my tiers are resting on separate cake boards.
PHOTOGRAPHY
What camera do you use?
I use a Canon Rebel and love it.
Who takes your photographs?
Most of the pictures are taken by me but some of the pictures in my earlier posts were taken by my husband coz I had no idea how to work my camera…lol.
What do you use for your backgrounds in pictures?
Pretty much anything.
I have used cheap cardboards and poster boards from dollar stores, scrapbook paper, kitchen counter, old tables, pieces of fabric…
Where do you buy the props for your pictures?
Some of the stuff I use are gifts. Some of the stuff I use on a daily basis.
I have also bought cheap stuff from Target, Walmart, Crate&Barrell and even Dollar Stores.
Many people also buy stuff at thrift stores but I haven’t checked those out yet.
OTHER
How can I contact you?
You can email me at [email protected]
Who designed your site?
My dear husband designed it and I think he did a FABULOUS job coz I am a tough cookie to please
Did you go to culinary school or pastry school?
LOL! No! I don’t think I would survive in either culinary school or pastry school. I might end up eating everything I am making before it gets evaluated…lol.
Do you take orders?
Nope. Some day…I might.
But for now, I am just happy blogging, trying out new cake decorating techniques and sharing what I am learning
Can a newbie make your decorated cakes?
I stongly believe practice makes perfect. There is no reason why a newbie can’t make a decorated cake using the tutorials and tips I am providing plus I am always here to help through emails. There are also lots of cake decorating books that can help.
Is it hard staying healthy when you bake so much?!
Omg! Yes. But, I try to eat in moderation and work out.
Who eats all your cakes and cupcakes?
Thankfully, my family and friends are always around to offer me their appetites
Can I use your recipes and tutorials on my blog?
I am always honored to have people try my recipes and tutorials. All I ask is that you use your own photographs and link back to my site. Feel free to e-mail me directly with any other questions.
Where do you buy your cake decorating supplies?
I usually get my cake decorating supplies from Michaels or Hobby Lobby. It’s easily accessible to me and I can see what I am getting in person. I have ordered a couple of things from Ebay like leaf veiners and special cake pans since I couldn’t find those at Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
