want to learn cake decorating and chocolate making, advice on resources needed

[tweenyb]

hiya

i was enrolled on a cake decorating and chocolate making course but due to disability havent been able to attend. i thought id have a go at teaching myself but there are just so many books out there, can anyone recommend any good books and also good places that are reasonably priced to buy supplies?

many thanks xx

[rabbitygirl]

I had a successful cake making business for a few years and had not one lesson in cake making/decorating. It all started after I copied a Santa in his sleigh cake for the school Xmas fayre. I don't know if you want to be proficient at novelty cakes, involving more sculpting and shaping than piping, or you want to do it all. I wasn't professional level at piping but after practising I was good enough.

Just go for it. A good market often has a stall of cake making equipment, including boards, icings and decorating bits and bobs. Or try online. To start I would just get basics, much of it from major supermarkets, either fondant icings and/or icing sugar and a good piping set and just set to. I started with a Mary Ford book, which I still have. Step by step pictures help you. It's not a starter book tho - even tho that's the one I used - lol! Have a look in the shops and buy the one which appeals to you. When you're ready to have a go on a cake upend a cake tin, cover thinly in fondant and away you go.

I only make for reles these days and I much prefer the decorating to the baking. They love the personalised touch and that you have made it special. It's very satisfying. Good luck.