Let them eat cake

No party is complete without the ceremonial cake.
There are birthday cakes, retirement cakes, Fourth of July cakes, “You got a Raise” cakes, and candy cane cakes.
Cakes make a great hostess gift or a ‘Let me bring something’ treat.
Often used for a centerpiece, the cake can be elaborate, creative, thematic, or just plain delicious looking.
Cutting the cake and singing Happy Birthday or He’s a Jolly Good Fellow, often is the climax of the event. How special it is at weddings when they announce that the couple is going to cut the cake? It’s a true photo opportunity.
In today’s traditions, cup cakes have even joined the ranks of specialty items for celebration desserts.
So if you want to make your event extra special, have an extra-special cake — without breaking the bank.
Bakeries, even those at grocery and warehouse stores, make cakes designed to suit your special occasion. But they are getting quite expensive, and the cake quality can sometimes be disappointing.
Save the money and make the cake yourself. It’s easier than you think. A homemade cake never disappoints, and while you may know its flaws, the recipient and guests most likely won’t.
There are so many ways to be creative and do your own thing. Magazines are full of creative designs, most of which are made from the traditional round, square or rectangular pans you already have at home.
It’s just a matter of following directions or using your own ingenuity to cut those layers into a creative masterpiece. The Internet has many free sites where you can find a great pattern for a truly stylized cake.
Most often it is the icing that does the trick. Find a good recipe for a homemade version, or use a can of the store-bought product.
It’s the consistency that matters. It should be spreadable without oozing off the top — unless that’s the look you’re going for.
Food coloring works its magic on any good white icing and while more professional tools like pastry bags and a variety of tips are helpful, you can make your own with a plastic baggie. Just cut the desired size hole in the corner, fill the bag with your icing and you’re ready to decorate.
There are several helpful icing and decorating kits available in the marketplace at very affordable prices, and these can be used over and over again.
To prevent the cake from crumbling or getting tiny bits of the edges in the icing, put the cake in the fridge or freezer for a bit. The icing will spread more easily.
Cake toppings and decorations can be as innovative as you are. Plant greens, flowers, tiny toys, and ribbons can all create a special theme.
Wilton.com, the cake baker’s guru, has incredible ideas on their Web site that include special recipes. You can order specialty items like shaped pans, fancy tips, and fondant icing, if you’re ready for greater things.
Another Web site to try is coolest-birthday-cakes.com. There are many easy to follow ideas there.
Give it a try. Nothing smells as wonderful as a cake baking in your own oven.
And even if it should fall apart, serve it in dessert bowls, top with whipped cream, pudding or ice cream, and you’ll still be famous for your desserts.