Posts Tagged ‘chocolate wedding cake’

Essence Of A Wedding Cake Box

October 9, 2009

Wedding cake box may sound simply as a box which is used to keep the pieces of the cake, but it has lot more to it. Bridal shower cakes come in all shapes and sizes, and so it becomes important to have a box in which the cake can be stored, transported, presented and even cut before distribution. Cake slice favor boxes are also available to give your wedding favors a personal touch. Another type is a Keepsake memories box or wedding cakes top boxes that help out if you intend to freeze your fond memories and taste the result of your great wedding cake recipe on your first anniversary again. So wedding cake box is a serious issue when it comes to planning your wedding.72532649_9811b598c9

Type Of Boxes

You want to add special touches to all that goes to your guests and towards the wedding day party. So you will have to decide on the very perfect cake and a wedding cake box for it. Before you decide on anything, you need to know the products available in the market.

  • Personalized cake slice favor boxes- This is a nice way of saying thanks to all your guests. These boxes can be taken away so that your guests would be able to enjoy the slice later. Also, if few of your guests are not able to attend the function, they still can taste your wedding cake. Send your guests a slice of the cake with your choice of design or monogram and maybe with few text lines, thus making it more personal.
  • Keepsake memories box or Bridal shower cakes top freeze storage box- You will be amazed to know that at few places it is a tradition to preserve a part of wedding cake and eat it on the first anniversary. These boxes are wonderful to meet such a requirement. They are specially made to keep the cake fresh and preserve it from freezer burn.
  • Decorative cake boxes- You may order a bridal shower cake with a wonderful wedding cake recipe, sized as per your expected guest list, decorated as per your bride’s choice but it all is a waste if your creativity can not be stored, transported and presented well. Hence you require a cake box which can do it all. These boxes are tailor made and suit the size of your cake. Designer effects are added to make it more presentable. At times, special plastic layers are added to keep the cake preserved for a longer duration in case more traveling is involved.

Conclusion

Choosing a wedding cake box is as important as choosing a cake. It is important to have a look at the variety and types available before you decide on one. With technology stepping in now, the boxes are better designed, stronger and can preserve the cake for longer durations. Thus choosing a right kind of wedding cake box is imperative so that the taste of the cake remains longer in yours and your guest’s mouth.

How to Make Wedding Shower Towel Cake

October 7, 2009

You may want to choose towels that match or compliment the bride’s wedding colors or even better to choose a color that will go well with the couple’s new bath.

“Ingredients” for the towel cakestudio563-cake2

2 bath towels

3 hand towels

2 washcloths

a cake board (cake stand pan or pizza pan)

safety pins

narrow ribbon, elastic or rubber bands

real or silk flowers

tiny string pearls or narrow lace

small wedding rings

cake topper

empty paper towel rolls (optional)

Step 1: Lay the bath towels out with ends slightly overlapped . Pin towels together and fold to a six inch width. Roll towels into a tight coil. You can roll the towels around an empty paper towel tube to add some stability. Fold the end of each coil under and pin closed. Ribbons can hide pins.

Step 2: Repeat step 1 with the hand towels (other directions use 2 hand towels, but 3 makes a more realistic looking layer.)

Step 3: Repeat step one with the wash cloths.

I spray a pizza pan white to use as a base for this cake but you can use a cake stand if you prefer.

Next you have to decorate the cake and here is where the fun begins. Give your imagination free rein.

Arrange the flowers around the bottom of each layer. I use silk flowers because they don‘t wilt but real ones can look lovely. Take one or two flowers apart and spread them over the cake.

I then attach the pearls and use them to create a scalloped look from the top of each layer. I take a tiny stitch to anchor the top of each loop. Narrow lace can be used here. Attach a wedding ring to the center of each loop.

How should you top your towel cake creation? I have seen these cakes with the traditional bride and groom. cloves or a bell or you can get creative. A single large flower or a mound of smaller ones A hand towel fan with pearls attached looks wonderful. A large bath puff looks great here. I dangle strings of pearls from the puff.

If the bride has chosen a rectangular cake you can still use this cake or you can wrap cardboard boxes or foam blocks like gift boxes then stack and decorate.

Striped towels when rolled will give the appearance of horizontal striped icing, which is unique.

We have made kitchen towel cakes using place mats, kitchen towels and dish cloths. napkins. I use placemats for the base, then the towels and lastly dish rags. With this kitchen cake a paper towel roll or wooden dowel will be needed to stabilize the cake.

Normally I use kitchen linen cakes for housewarming gifts but have also made them for showers.

You may be surprised to find your friends or the shower guests asking you to make one of these exquisite shower cakes for a party they are attending or asking for the instructions how to make wedding shower towel cake.

How To Choose Your Wedding Cake

October 6, 2009

One of my favorite parts about the wedding, is the cake. Over time many things have changed with weddings, but one thing that stays the same, there is always a beautiful cake. The wedding cake is a big part of the wedding, and something ‘everyone” remembers. So when deciding on which cake is right for your perfect day, there are many factors to take into consideration.white-on-white-wedding-cake

When is your wedding?

The date and location of your wedding is crucial when choosing the cake. For example if you plan on having your wedding in the summer at a hot location, things like mousse, or even ice cream cake might be out of the question Ask your baker what types of cake are in “season”

How big will the cake be?

Wedding cakes can come in all shapes and sizes. Traditional cakes which have several tiers are normally a great choice, and one your guests will remember. Depending on how many guests you have your options are limitless. Of course the biggest factor in deciding how large your wedding cake should be, is knowing how man guests you will have. The following website gives a great reference on how large your cake should be.

http://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding_cakes.html

What’s your flavor?

Depending on the style of the cake, you have many different options. If the cake is multiple tiers, many people are choosing to have several different kinds of cake. Each level can be different, offering something for everyone. With wedding almost anything goes when it comes to the cake.

What kind of Icing?

Traditionally icing has been white or a light cream color. However today, many are matching their icing color with the overall theme of the wedding.. The actually icing can be a simple sugar and flour recipe, or even a rich cream cheese icing. There are many great icing ideas online which are sure to please even the most picky guests.

Decorations

Decorating a cake is only limited by your imagination. Some couples design the cake around the décor or theme of the wedding. While others give the cake a unique look, with crazy and outrageous decorations which define who they are. Most Depend on what you need, bakers decorate cakes with the look of lace, embroidery appliqué or elegant drapes or swag.

Your wedding cake should be as individual as you. The worst thing you can do when choosing a cake is just “settling.” Shop around a bit, decided on the cake, style and decorations, and find a baker who is willing to accommodate you. Many couples even order their cakes as much as 6 months ahead of time to insure they get what they want.

Buying Wedding Cake Toppers

October 2, 2009

It has often been said that there are three main ingredients to any wedding. The bride, the groom, and the cake for the wedding – not necessarily in that order. And many would probably agree that the most important part of the wedding cake is the cake topper.28box

These cake toppers are ornaments or figurines that sit on top of the wedding cake during the wedding ceremony. At the end of the wedding ceremony, the cake toppers are retained by the bride and groom and kept by them as keepsakes and a reminder of their wedding day.

Cake toppers come in many different forms. They can be funny, serious, outlandish, staid – in other words, whatever the couple decides that they like. The important thing is that whichever one you choose should represent your feelings as a couple towards each other.

Some of the more higher priced and popular cake topper providers do not keep much merchandise on their shelves. Instead, they will custom design and create cake toppers for their clientele. Understandably, wedding cake toppers bought from these establishment are normally non-refundable. Keep this fact in mind if you are leaning towards a custom made solution.

But even if you can’t afford a custom made solution or decide that you don’t need or want a fully custom made cake topper, this doesn’t meant that you are limited to settling for “off the shelf” items. Many providers will allow you to buy customized toppers and will also give you a plethora of choices to embellish and customize them with different accessories.

Some of the most unique and beautiful wedding cake toppers are made of hand blown glass. In the hands of a skilled artisan such a topper becomes a unique work or art that has value even if it weren’t set atop a wedding cake. One of the premier artists in this field is Frank J. Horvath who has been creating and refining his craft for over thirty years. You can find his work at various sites on the Internet.

Porcelain is another material that many artist use to create unique works of art. Porcelain designed cake toppers add a touch of elegance to what might ordinarily be considered a simple design. Glazed porcelain is a very popular choice, especially among traditionalists who simply love its beauty. These toppers are considered fine china by many.

As the years pass and cultures change, it becomes more evident each day that there really is no such thing as a “standard” wedding cake topper. Today, even the most mundane and ordinary wedding services provider will be able to offer a slew of custom and unique cake toppers that will make the normal bride very happy.

Wedding cakes have a reputation as being more for show than taste. And, all in all, the wedding cake topper is a “showpiece” for the cake. It’s meant to dramatize and highlight the beginning of a new life for the just married couple and to serve as an indelible memory of this special day in their lives.

Six FAQs About Wedding Cakes

September 30, 2009

Q. What do I tell the cake decorator on our first meeting?

A. Firstly, have an idea of the style of cake you want. Have some magazine cut outs to show your cake decorator to give them a good idea of what you expect. You then need to tell them the number of people who will be eating the cake and the role of the cake (will guest be eating on the night or taking it home: Are you keeping the top tier)cakegirls

Q. Does my cake have to be white?

A. No, Although generally most people still opt for white, you have a wide range of choices available to you. Keep in mind your color scheme and theme for your wedding and design a cake accordingly.

Q. How do I personalize my cake?

A. Try including detail from your wedding dress onto the cake. For example the beading or embroidery. Check with your cake designer if they can recreate.

Q. What traditionally is meant to be on the bridal table with the wedding cake?

A. Traditionally the cake is placed in front of the bridal table with an engraved silver knife, cake serve, champagne and two champagne flutes. Traditional decorations are usually the sugared almonds or fabric from the bridesmaids dresses. However the bridesmaids bouquets or a flower arrangement is also acceptable.

Q. When should the cake be cut?

A. Generally it is done after the bridal waltz following the receptions main meal. The cake is then taken and cut up to be served or placed into bags.

Q. Who gives the cut cake to the guests?

A. It is the bridesmaids job to do this, sometimes the mothers of the bride and groom or grandparents also may assist with this.

Monogram Wedding Cake Toppers

September 29, 2009

Monogram wedding cake toppers are one of the most rapid growing trends to sit atop the cake. If your interested in having a monogram atop your wedding cake there are so many different choices of monograms from the many creative ideas to the finished look. Monogram cake toppers are also become a high priority keep sake memento right along with the wedding dress as its also a big part of the center piece.

wedding-cake-0021There is such a wide array of options to take into consideration when thinking about a monogram topper, and it all depends on where your purchasing from. The main three elements to keep in mind are font style, material and finish and letter combinations. There are generally two font styles that are favored by majority of couples. More formal couples prefer to go with the calligraphic scripts that you usually see on wedding invitations. These are often chosen by couples going for the more traditional sorts of weddings. While the more modern contemporary couples tend to be in favor of more creative fonts. These are often more straightforward fonts that sit on cursive bases, this can lead you to be a bit more creative and leave the groom the chance to add a splash of masculinity to the cake.

Material and finish is also another very important element. The more common basic elegant option that’s usually sought after is a metallic or silver look. But there are more decorative options at hand. A lot of couples have found decorating their cakes monograms with swarovski crystals adds a very elegant and fancy touch to an otherwise basic cake. It has an eye catching sparkle effect under the light and can also be tied in with the brides wedding jewelry and the general wedding decorations. For some this is just to expensive an option so the opt to decorate their monograms with edible flowers and other similar decorative items.

Letter combinations is the third main element to take into consideration when planning your monogram topper. This element can be the most challenging although also the most enjoyable part of picking out your monogram. The bride and groom have to decide what they would like to a top their wedding cake, theres no set rule or tradition as to what you can have a top your cake. Although some of the common choices among many couples tend to be their initials or significant dates. Whatever your choice monogram wedding cake toppers are sure to be a great addition to decorating your wedding cake.

Wedding Cake Decorating Tips

September 29, 2009

Creating a wedding cake or anniversary cake for a large party requires careful planning due to the size of the task.  The first step is to formulate an image of what the cake will look like.  Before you launch into your own dreaming, consult with the wedding or anniversary couple, first to find out if they have any specific expectations or preferences.  They may give you full discretion or may want to be closely involved in the designing.  Once you have done this, you can create your design, perhaps referring to recent magazines and books for current cake decorating tips.tvrdik

Once you have chosen recipes, flavors, colors and decorations, plan for the following steps.  Usually each step can be carried out on one or more different days:

  1. Prepare a trial cake to test your concept and practice techniques.
  2. Plan how the cake will be displayed.
  3. Do the big shopping trip for the project, purchasing ingredients, display accessories etc.
  4. Bake and store the cakes.
  5. Prepare and apply icing and decorations.
  6. Drive the cake to the party location and prepare the display.

How Cakes are Tiered or Stacked

A tiered cake appears to be a single tower, but in fact consists of several cakes joined together.  Cakes can be stacked directly on top of each other or separated by pillars or columns.  When cakes are resting on top of each other, you need to insert dowels through the center of the cakes to provide structural support.  Doweling can be purchased at your local hardware store or at a cake supply shop. You can learn how to work with doweling from cake decorating tips online or in books; but unless you are a very “handy” person, it would be wise to try it for the first time with an experienced baker or in a cake decorating class.

When you tier with columns or pillars, you can use a cake separator set.  When you look around at your local cake decorating supply center, you will see there are many options and accessories for creating a tiered cake.

Ideas for Choosing Decorations

The most important cake decorating tip for weddings and anniversaries has already been mentioned:  consult with the celebrated couple! Given that you know their likes and dislikes, here are some ideas for decorating a wedding cake:

  • Consider using fondant if there will be an outdoor wedding – fondant is more durable than buttercream and can withstand higher temperatures.
  • Use colors, flowers, embroidery, and ribbons etc. inspired by the bridal flowers and dresses.
  • Borrow themes from the couple’s lives and families.
  • Flavors, colors, and symbols can originate from the place of marriage or honeymoon.

For an anniversary cake, consider some of the above ideas – and the ones below:

  • Writing is appropriate on anniversary cakes.  You can record the year of the anniversary and/or write “Happy Anniversary!”
  • Find out and use the symbol connected to the anniversary, for example, silver for the 25th.

Theme Wedding Cake

September 29, 2009

A Theme Wedding Cake can add a fun twist to your wedding reception. Instead of having a boring, traditional wedding cake consider choosing one that is unique and shows your style.BEAUTIFUL WEDDING CAKE

As you will read below, there are many different options. The first step, however, is to find a good designer or baker.

A good cake designer can help you narrow down your options, and they are a great resource to bounce ideas off of. Interview a few designers and bakers in your area, and always ask for references from past brides that they have worked with.

Match Your Wedding Theme

Using an overall theme for your wedding day makes it a little bit easier when deciding on a theme for your cake. If you are having a beach wedding then you will want it to have a tropical feel to it.

Another option is to pick a complimentary theme. For example, if you are having a winter wedding you can use a Christmas or New Years theme.

One thing you will want to avoid is using a cake theme that has no relation to your overall theme. You wouldn’t want to have, for example, a Halloween themed wedding cake for your spring wedding.

Using Colors and Toppers

Matching the theme of your cake to your wedding colors is another option. If your wedding colors are light blue and chocolate, have your cake designed in those colors.

There are many different possible designs out there that aren’t necessarily tied to a wedding theme. The use of color can take a plain white cake and transform it into something stunning that matches your overall wedding colors.

Wedding cake toppers are a great way to blend your cake into your overall theme. Toppers come in all shapes and sizes to match your chosen theme and style.

Something Completely Different

Even if you are not using a wedding theme, you can still have a cake with a theme. This can be a great way to express your creativity, even if you didn’t do so in other aspects of your wedding day.

A groom’s cake is yet another way to use a theme. You can have a second cake designated as the groom’s cake in just about any theme that you can think of.

So even if you decide to go with a conservative, traditional wedding cake your groom’s cake can be a chance to display how creative you really are.

Fall Wedding Cake Recipe and Decoration Ideas

September 29, 2009

The grand decoration, the scrumptious wedding feast, designer bridal gown, gold printed invitation letters – you have planned for them all.

But aren’t you forgetting something crucial?Murdoch 018

Yes! The wedding cake-the most delicious aspect of any wedding planning – adds extra zing to your wedding celebration and gives the invitees the sweet luxury to indulge in.

Here are a few ideas to make your fall wedding cake a hit with the guests with its unique fall feel and special fall taste.

When you are having a fall wedding, your wedding cake should also be based on a seasonal theme and rightly reflect the essence of the season both in taste and in its appearance.

While serving any type of cake in the fall wedding is at least grammatically correct-to keep with the true spirit of the season, serve your guests a delicious alternative to a traditional cake -a spiced cake or a spiced Chocolate Wedding Cake.

Here is the recipe for a spiced cake that you can get custom made by a renowned baker or someone reputed for baking skills.

In a spiced cake, the magic is done by your choice of spices – use 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger and1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for 2 cups all-purpose flour. Also use 1 cup of molasses.

Then there are the routine ingredients of traditional cakes such as sugar (1 cup), butter (I cup and softened), eggs (3), baking powder (2 tea spoons), and salt (1/2 tea spoon).

Follow the usual steps of cake making:

  • Mix butter with sugar and beat them with electric mixer until they form a light and fluffy mixture.
  • Add eggs, one by one into the mixture and keep on beating.
  • Now blend in the molasses.
  • Take a separate bowl and mix flour, salt, ginger, and cinnamon in it.
  • Add this mixture to creamed batter, beating at low speed all the while.
  • Don’t forget to add baking soda to the batter.
  • Now grease a baking pan and pour the batter into it; bake at 350° for 45 minutes.

If you want to come out with an even more stunning fall wedding cake, try a spiced chocolate cake.

You can use the same ingredients and follow the same steps as the spiced cake; only you will need some additional ingredients such as 1 and ½ cups of sour milk and at least an ounce of semi sweet chocolate.

Before adding the baking soda in the batter, dissolve it into sour milk and grate the chocolates before adding them to the batter.

Bring the fall feel with right cake accessories

  • Not the taste alone-the look and feel is also important to bring the seasonal touch. For that, use the decorating accessories only in the vibrant fall colors like flaming orange, golden, copper brown or burgundy.
  • Create the replicated fall leaves and pinecones out of sugar.
  • At the base of the cake, scatter pumpkin and squash pieces. Also sprinkle marzipan fruits and macadamia nuts for a more obvious fall flavor.

So now you have your spiced up, specially decorated fall wedding cake – share it with your friends and loved ones and take your share of the bites while hoping for a long, sweet, and spicy married life.

How to Order a Wedding Cake

September 29, 2009

One of the most special parts of a wedding reception is the cake. Often the centerpiece of the reception, you want your wedding cake to have great style, taste good, and fit in with your budget. Yet many brides go into the process having no idea of the basics of wedding cakes. Here is how to order the wedding cake of your dreams.wcakeCL165

There are two things that you absolutely must know before ordering your wedding cake. The first is the number of guests that you will have and the second is your budget. It is a given that you will not have an exact head count when you order your dessert months before the wedding, which is fine; a general ballpark should be sufficient for the baker. The price of a wedding cake can range wildly, anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand, so this is why it is important to have a firm budget in mind before meeting with bakers. You don’t want to fall in love with one of their designs only to find that it is ten times the price that you are able to afford!

It is smart to have a few other general things about your wedding established before ordering your dessert. You need to know the when and where, whether it will be indoors or outdoors, and what the essential style or theme will be. If you go into a meeting with a baker knowing at least that much, she should be able to walk you through the rest of your choices.

The look of your wedding cake should suit the rest of your wedding. For instance, if you are having a traditional wedding, wearing a classic gown and pearl bridal jewelry, you should also have a traditional cake, such as an all white buttercream. The accents can also tie in with your bridal attire; tiny frosting “pearls” can be used to create a delicate border on the edge of the tiers to mimic your pearl bridal jewelry, or you can have the baker replicate the pattern of the lace on your gown in fondant.

The indoor or outdoor question is a big one, because certain ingredients can stand up to being outside on a hot summer day, while others cannot. A fondant covered cake will do fine in the heat, but a buttercream or whipped cream frosting will melt and run by the time the dessert is cur, ruining the effect. Even if you do have a hearty frosting like fondant, you should never display a wedding cake in direct sunlight at the reception.

Your budget will have a big impact on the shape, size, and decorations on your wedding cake. The ones that you see in the magazines that are five tiers tall and covered with a profusion of handmade frosting orchids cost thousands of dollars, which is not what the average bride will spend for her dessert. However, don’t shy away from showing your baker designs that appeal to you, no matter how fantastical they may be. If you loved the grand orchid cake but found it too pricey, a similar confection could be created using fresh flowers on a three tier cake. A tried and true trick for saving money is to have a smallish display cake made to put out at the reception, but to also have the same flavor made in an inexpensive sheet cake to cut in the kitchen and have the waitstaff serve to guests. No one will be the wiser, and you will get to “have your cake and eat it too”.