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

30 Days of Fashion: a behind the scenes exlcusive

On Wednesday, September 22nd, I had the privilege of being the one and only food blogger selected to attend World Square's exclusive Spring / Summer fashion event, hosted by Shop Til You Drop and MC Nikki Phillips. The event was officially part of 30 Days of Fashion & Beauty.

Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés courtesy of Din Tai Fung, the internationally-renowned restaurant exclusive to World Square. Din Tai Fung catered the event, putting together 6000 canapés in three hours. The restaurant was also open for normal business, leaving the chefs rather busy in the kitchen all night!

But well before all the guests arrived, I was granted access to the Din Tai Fung kitchen to check out the preparations for the night. Here are some photos of the chefs at work, busily preparing hundreds thousands of dumplings to feed the hungry masses. I was amazed to learn that preparation had only commenced 2 hours prior to the event!

After the preparations guests in the VIP area enjoyed drinks and dumplings.

Man, those dumplings went fast! There was frenzied descent on the waitresses bearing the canapes, it was quite a sight to behold! It was quite crazy, so hence the blurry pictures!

Of the one or two dumplings I managed to try, they were very nice. This green vegetable one was delicious, and I especiallly liked it along with the soy sauce with ginger.

There was also live entertainment for the public at World Square from DJ Danny Clayton, followed by two fashion parades featuring both men’s and women’s fashion.

To find out more about 30 Days of Fashion, head to their website.

Ladybird x

How to make individual cupcake stands

In my recent post about the hat themed birthday cupcakes I made, I also showed you this individual cupcake stand. I also promised you I'd be telling you how to make this yourself at home. It is so easy, and it looks just adorable. So get your "arts 'n' crafts" hats on - here's how it's done!

Here are the materials you will need...

1 small saucer/shallow bowl (pictured left)

1 egg cup or similar (pictured right)

superglue

These materials are readily available and very inexpensive from most discount shops like 'Hot Dollar' here is Sydney.

Run a thin line of superglue around the base rim of the eggcup and place onto the centre of the inverted dish (as pictured below).

Leave to dry for a couple of hours, and you're done! You've made an individual cupcake stand :)

I must admit, I'm not usually a very craft-oriented person. I don't think you'll ever catch me whipping up a collage in my spare time, or becoming anything remotely close to a scrapbooking addict. You're far more likely to catch me in the kitchen, or not far away urging someone to eat another slice of cake! It's not that I don't like arts and crafts... I just don't really have the patience for it to be honest. And... I'm also afraid of gluing my fingers together! :P

Despite this, I did discover my inner Martha Stewart rather unexpectedly of late. After I made a couple of these cupcake stands I started thinking about how to decorate them. I think they look great plain, but you could jazz them up a little, especially if they were for use in a themed party. Before I knew it, I was in a craft shop hunting down ribbons, cut-out felt shapes and scrapbook borders with adhesive backing. Here are just a few ways I decorated mine...

So tell me, are you into arts and crafts?


Ladybird x