Cake Day

[poliphilo]

I know the rule is "i before e except after c", but it never looks right does it? The word niece for example, what a monster that is.

Anyway, that's just the preamble. The thing is our niece Nicola is getting married and my sister-in-law, in a moment of madness, volunteered herself and Ailz to make the cake. 

Do you know what it costs to get one of those things made by a professional?  £600-£700.

Mind you, this won't be your conventional cake. Nic has a very specific vision. Firstly it's going to be chocolate, secondly it's going to have four tiers, thirdly the tiers aren't going to be supported on nice, little neoclassical columns, but will rest on one another- like it was the step pyramid of Sakkara,  fourthly the whole, huge monument is going to to be coated- evenly- in white chocolate, fifthly it's going to be decorated with chocolate curls (whatever they are) and have real roses on top. 

Do Ruth and Ailz have experience of making enormous cakes?

Erm..........

But they have picked up some useful tips. Apparently all the professionals use Betty Crocker cake mixes. Yes, really. 

Well, the wedding is less than a month away now and today is Cake Day.  Ailz is going to bake a trial cake and so is Ruth and then they're getting together to learn from their mistakes. 

I'm glad I'm just an innocent bystander.

Comments

[baritonejeff.livejournal.com]

Suggest to her this: Instead of water in the mix, replace it with buttermilk (shaken up thoroughly before pouring, increasing the measurement slightly), and add a generous teaspoonful of real vanilla extract. This will elevate the taste of the cake above box status. Also, before she puts the filled pans in the oven, drop them from about an inch or so above the counter to the counter several times. This should force any air bubbles up and out of the layer, so it will bake and cut more evenly.

FYI, chocolate curls are long pieces which are shaved from a large bar of chocolate.

Good luck, Ailz!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thanks for those suggestions. I'll pass them on. Vanilla essence- that's a lovely touch!