Cake Decorating Directory/Glossary
The following is a list of Basic cake decorating supplies/products which can be purchased from most high streets at the last minute- should the need arise!
We hope you find it useful.
For more specialist products, please refer to our Suppliers page.
Apricot Glaze- Available ready made in jars, or make your own by boiling Apricot Jam with a little water, stir, then pass through sieve to remove any lumps- use warm.
Uses: Glazing fruit tarts, brushing on to rich fruit cakes before covering with marzipan.
Buy: Baking section supermarkets
Arrowroot- Derived from the root of the West Indian plant- Maranta.
Used mainly for it's thickening qualities, particularly suitable when a clear sauce is required as it becomes transparent when boiled.
Uses: Sauces and glazes
Buy: Baking section supermarkets
Baking Powder-Chemical aerating agent made up of two parts Cream of Tartar to one part Bicarbonate of Soda. Carbon Dioxide gas is given off when moisture and heat are applied, which assists in the aeration of the product.
Uses: Bread, cakes, scones, sponge & suet puddings, dumplings.
Buy: Baking section supermarkets
Cake Boards/Drums- Silver cake boards/drums (round/square) can be found in all the major supermarkets. Others colours also available, including patterned, mostly around Christmas. The thicker boards, known as 'Cake Drums' are made for the larger/heavier iced cakes.
Uses: Cake boards-Gateaux and lighter cakes
Cake Drums- Heavier iced cakes and wedding cakes.
Buy: Baking section supermarket. Also try Hardware shops found on many high streets, Card shops, Party shops. Department store Cook Sections and Independent Cook Shops.
Cake Decorations- I don't know if I will ever come across anyone who has spent more time than me in the cake decorating aisle of the local supermarket. To the point where I consider myself unofficial 'Supermarket Spokesperson/Guide' on all cake decorating related matters. A couple of weeks ago I was stood in my usual spot analyzing the influx of 'Silver Spoon' products in my local Sainsburys. I overheard a mother and daughter who were having a problem finding 'chocolate drops', 'they're up there' I said pointing. Looking surprised they thanked me and continued with their shopping. Five minutes later they came and found me in another aisle, 'can you tell us where the sugar is?' enough said!
Edible cake decorations are my specialist subject.The supermarkets are finally accepting that there is more to life than marzipan animals and those dodgy packs of pink and blue iced letters. Although, in their defence, they have been around for so long that they now have a certain 'vintage' or 'retro' quality about them, which is always in fashion.
From the ubiquitous gold and silver balls, to edible pearls and pretty iced flowers, the range of cake decorations now available in your local supermarket will astound - that's if unlike some, you have not visited the Cake Decorating Section for a while!
Uses: Cakes, biscuits, cookies, cupcakes, ice cream
Cupcake Cases: Gold and silver, some nice pastels and patterned cases.
Although this directory is aimed at last minute high st buys, I do feel I have to mention the outstanding range of cases available from many online retailers. Every design you could ever possibly wish for, is now available to buy online. Dots, stripes, leopard print (Ooh!) baroque, roses, hearts, you name it. If you want them, you have to be organised.
Order on time for the event!
Uses: Cupcakes, Cupcakes, Cupcakes
Cutters- Basic shapes (round fluted/gingerbread man) available in most major supermarkets. You can sometimes find packs of 6-8 different shaped cutters in places like Morrisons, eg: star, heart, angel etc.
Check out local Hardware shops. Toyshops stock children's baking sets, which along with a little plastic rolling pin contain a variety of interesting shapes- Hippo biscuit anyone!
The Cookware Section of larger department stores sometimes stock a wider range of biscuit/cookie cutter shapes.
Uses: Cutting out biscuits/cookies sugar paste shapes
Essences & Extracts- Available in a range of flavours, either natural or synthetic, with Vanilla being the most well known. Other flavours include, Almond, Coffee,Rose, Orange,Lemon,Cinnamon.
Uses: Flavouring, cakes, biscuits, desserts and creams, some savoury dishes.
Buy: Major supermarkets. M&S stock a surprising range of basic cake decorating products which includes various extracts. Also check Ethnic grocery shops.
We'll be right back soon!
Salon Glacé 2006-2010
