Saturday 25 September 2010

Planet Cake Course - Basics 102


I headed to Planet Cake's headquarters in Balmain yesterday for their Basic 102 course. I arrived at 9:30 for the course's commencement at 10am with what felt like a hundred butterflies in my stomach. I was about to learn from some of the very best in the cake decorating industry, and I couldn't wait to get started.


Part of my reason for the nerves was that I was about to learn things that I had never before attempted: ganaching and covering a square cake, making a big bow, and making a figurine. Clean, straight lines are very difficult to achieve, with even many seasoned decorators in the industry opting for round cakes instead to avoid them. This was not a challenger to shirk away from. It was going to be a big day, but I was ready :)

Under the friendly guidance of our teacher, Jessica and Planet Cake apprentice, Adam, myself and around 8 others set about our task of creating the present box with a figurine.


At each step Jessica demonstrated the technique required , and we then had a go with our own cake back on our benches. We also had notes to refer back to, but Jessica and Adam were on hand throughout the class to encourage and supervise our work, lending fantastic tips and advice along the way.


An unexpected bonus on the day was meeting Planet Cake's Paris Cutler, who joined us for a quick chat during our lunch break. She offered us some encouraging words about cake decorating, as well as some advice on the realities working in the industry.

At the end of the class, we had some time to take pictures of our work, as well as a group shot. Tired but happy, it was so satisfying to see all of the beautiful cakes we had created.


One of my favourite aspects of the class (which is difficult to decide, because it was all so amazing!) was learning how to make figurines. I decided that a fabulous cake called for some fabulous attire on my figurine. With a full length evening gown and pearl earring and necklace, she was oh so ladylike :)


I also painted on a little red colour for lipstick and gave her a stylish updo with a side-part to complete the effect. A lovely lady ready for the opera, or any other such posh occasion :) It was just like playing dressup - I felt like a kid again!


I must say, I am still on cloud nine after my class at Planet Cake. It was an incredible experience. I learnt so much and had so much fun in the process, that I have no doubt that I will have very fond memories of the day for a long time.

The difficulty, however, lies in deciding the fate of my chocolate mud cake... As I type this my cake is carefully boxed up and in a cool dark place at home. Whatever happens, I'm just not sure that I'll be able to bring myself to cut it... I might have to get someone else to do the deed! It really is incredibly how emotionally attached you can get to food when you put your heart and soul into it!


Since posting this story, this cake was donated to the families of Ronald McDonald House in Randwick, NSW. Ronald McDonald House provides support to seriously ill children and their families. To learn more about Ronald McDonald House, click here.


Ladybird x

14 comments:

  1. Wowww! Your cake is gorgeous - can we expect to see a ladybird bakeshop soon? :P

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  2. Ladybird, your updo is perfect! as is the rest of your figurine. And what clean straight lines on your bow, and the cake itself. A masterpiece, I am not surprised you are having trouble just thinking about cutting it. Looks amazing (and yum yum all that icing, the best part of cakes like this!)

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  3. Your cake looks absolutely perfect! I've wanted to do a course at Planet cake for a while but I'm waiting for a special occasion. I think I'll feel the same as you do so it'll take me a very special occasion to cut into such a gorgeous cake.

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  4. Wow, your cake is amazing! I love your little lady.
    And a class sounds like fun.

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  5. This looks amazing ;) the whole cake, a just look at the fine lady all dressed up ;) you did a great job!

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  6. What a cute little bun, I just want to eat it up literally.

    When I did my Debbie Brown course I took off the figure to keep so I could refer back to it and have kept it in a safe place.

    I'm sure one you have your gorgeous little lady safe you won't feel so bad about cutting into the cake.

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  7. Wow, this is so impressive! You've done a fantastic job, it looks so neat and tidy and perfect :)

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  8. The cake looks beautiful. Wish we had Planet Cake courses in Adelaide.

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  9. The cake is beautiful! I love the amount of details in creating this amazing amazing cake.

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  10. Aww she is just beautiful! Well done! And what a great idea donating it to charity-so sweet :)

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  11. I give my decorated cakes away too, I agree they are too special to just eat! Lovely idea to donate yours to charity.

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  12. This looks AMAZING- Congratulations!! You look like you could have a career in baking. And the bun and pearls do look very sophisticated.

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  13. Thanks everyone... I am very humbled by your lovely comments :)

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