An Essential Checklist for beginner cake decorator

1. Study the recipe and list of ingredients and tools needed in advance and make sure you have them all to hand. 
2. Use the best quality ingredients for the filling. Remember the cake must taste as good as it looks. 
3. Start with a very clean surface – when icing any dirt will show up on white icing so everything must be spotless. 
4. Layout all your tools and equipment on a small tray. 
5. Follow the recipe step by step – do not try and improvise – baking is a science. 
6. Always allow royal icing or painted details to dry thoroughly before adding the finishing touches such as decorating paint. 
7. When doing an elaborate icing design – use a fruitcake because a sponge cake will go stale after a day. 
8. When making a wedding cake or a tiered cake, mix up the tiers to give the guests options. 
9. Think about using chocolate, lemon or even a carrot cake instead of using fruitcake; it’s much more interesting that way. 
10. Don’t give up if it doesn’t work out the first time – keep trying – practice and patience are the secrets to success.

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