I went to Planet Cake and loved it!
My sister gave me the book as a gift some months back. Since then I have flipped through the pages as many times as I read Mr Darcy’s love letter to Elizabeth. Similarly, in vain, I struggled and my cakes just did not do.
So New Year’s Resolution – enrol for Planet Cake Basic 101 decorating class….
Beginners 101 introduces our eager minds to the basics – cutting, layering, icing and finishing. The class, on appearances looks expensive, but let’s not be prejudice. At $375 for the day you get approximately: Take Home cake – Planet Cake RRP $300, 2 cake boards $70, Intellectual capital – Priceless!
Kicking off at 10am on the dot the instructor, Linda, warns us that the day will be intense. In fact, it is very intense. Another fact, there is nothing I can tell you here about cake decorating techniques that Paris Cutler has not already done so in her book. This is why the class was such an incredible experience. Seeing the professionals work their magic – I am lost for words on how to illustrate this. Cake decorating is an artform!
First we remove those hard crusty bits off the top of the cake. Then we cut the cake into 3 equal layers and paint syrup on each layer to keep the sponge moist.
Layering the ganache was quite tricky. The cake needed to be completely covered with the edges nice and smooth.
Once this is done we start with the fondant. Knead the icing until soft then roll out the icing until it is nice and thin (and covers the cake). This step requires muscle work and pressure. Being 155cm I was given a stool to stand on to roll out the icing. This really helped, despite the humiliation!
Final touches were to decorate the cake by adding the explosion in the centre of cake. I choose exploding love hearts & silver balls.
By the end of the class we get to take home our impressive ‘exploding stars’ cake. I have to admit, I was quite proud of the results.
Looking forward to 102!
Where: Planet Cake
Location: 106 Beattie Street. Balmain NSW 2041
Dress: Casual
Price: $375 + GST (Basic 101)
Written by Thi
Your cake looks fab – very professional! Have often wondered about these cake decorating courses. Maybe one day. Interesting too that so many of you chose to decorate your cake in blue
Thanks Helen – I’m now spending a lot of time at Essential Ingredients (Crows Nest) in the cake section. The instructor also commented about our choice in colour! The turquoise reminded me of Tiffany and by association Audrey Hepburn =)
Amazing job! I’m booked in for one soon and as I’m about your height I will brace myself for getting up on a stool!
Rob, you asked about how much the Tetsuya Masterclass is? Sadly it is invite only and not open to the general public so this comp is one of the few ways to get to attend them (unless you are a chef or do business with Electrolux).
wow they look great. i noticed planet cake were at Taste of Sydney. sounds like a great course. i prefer to just buy my cakes due to my low patience hehe but would be really interesting to know the tricks of the trade.