My New Year’s Resolution: Cake Decorating 101

Last summer when my family came to town, I had to take them to one of my favorite DC joints: Ted’s Bulletin. From adult milkshakes to peanut butter burgers (don’t knock ’em til you’ve tried ’em) to homemade poptarts, Ted’s can really do no wrong in my book. My family and I were seated outside of Ted’s, conveniently located right next to where the pastry chef was frosting a cake. And my god, it was mesmerizing to watch.

At one point, I’m pretty sure my family, a normally rather chatty bunch, just watched in complete awe and silence at this woman’s work. It took her about 30 minutes to frost this cake and when I say it was like watching an artist paint a masterpiece, that’s no exaggeration.

I’ve seen beautifully decorated cakes and cupcakes on Pinterest a zillion times but I decided it’s time to stop and smell the roses. Or rather, the sugar rosettes. So I’m making it a goal in the next year to learn to properly frost and decorate a cake. I’ve already researched online videos and tutorials and I’m ready to get this cake decorating show on the road. But I need some tools in my arsenal first:

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Artisan Design Series with Glass Bowl // Wilton Meringue Powder // AmeriColor Amerimist Metallic & Pearl Sheen Airbrush // DIY Cake Decorating Fondant Silicone Sugar Craft Mold // Norpro 8 Piece Cake Decorating Set // Stainless Steel Doughnut Cutter

While I was at home, I visited my favorite five-and-dime shop Vidler’s in East Aurora, NY and picked up the Wilton Dessert Decorator Plus (how badass does that sound? I keep saying it in my head in an Arnold Schwarzenegger voice like “Come with me if you want dessert”) and I can’t wait to play around with it! I’ve been brainstorming other frosting and decorating supplies and rounded up a sweet wish list for my 2015 Baking Bonanza. Oh yeah, it’s real and it’s happening, people.

I just had to include the KitchenAid Stand Mixer because well, it’s a thing of beauty and every time I spy one in the stores, I have to drag myself away from its majesty before I get in trouble for salivating on it. Right now, I just cannot pull the trigger on it but soon, it will be mine. My precious…

The meringue powder maaayyy seem a little bit out there but I am hell bent on mastering royal icing this year. So I’m comin’ for ya, meringue powder. You don’t scare me one bit.

And of course, I had to include the dougnut cutter because well, do I really need to give a reason at this point?

Do you have any helpful tips for frosting and decorating? Please share!

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