My trick to decorating this cake was to first rough frost the cake (I made a chocolate devils food cake) with a vanilla butter cream icing, then I applied the white royal icing, which I had rolled out (like play dough for grown-ups as my good friend Leah from www.whydidntanyonetellme.blogspot.com says!). Then I used a paint brush to 'paint' the cake - this way you get a much more vivid red colour without having to use much food colouring at all (I used about half a teaspoon full...if that).
I had actually wanted to use a more natural colouring for the cake as I am not a fan of giving kids foods with synthetic food colouring on them. However, the powdered beets (which make quite a good red colour - I use it when I make red velvet cake) I ordered from a speciality grocery shop did not arrive in time. It was all worth it though as my son was over the moon with the cake - phew!
Today we had some great autumn weather (phew again!) so little son and I ventured out for a picnic by the sea. We both love this spot by the sea (above)...me for its all about watching the waves and for my son its the fabulous climbing rocks. He was certain he could see a pirate ship sailing into the harbour today ;-)
We are off for more adventures now so I must dash. Have a great week peeps! Becks xxx
Hi Becks and happy birthday to your little son! The cake is really good. I had not thought of painting icing instead of incorporating the colouring in it. That is a very good idea because, like you, I don't like using colouring really and also it can taste bitter. I will try this next time. The beach looks fantastic. Enjoy the rest of the school holidays. Lily. xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Lily! The thing I have to remember for next time is to wear rubber gloves, ha ha! Oh and not to touch the dog until I get the dye out of my hands - he is now black, white and pink/red, lol! Take care hon. xxx
DeleteHello! Wow I love the cake!! Looks fab! I really like the idea of painting the icing too instead of adding the colouring to it, as I'm also very wary of artificial colouring etc. I will use the paint brush with Mia's cake which i'm going to make for her birthday next month..can you believe it, I must be absolutely crazy but i've agreed to have a go at a Titanic cake!! I have seriously never made anything other than a basic victoria sponge in my life..talk about being thrown in at the deep end! Hubby thinks i'm MAD! Still, i've already ordered a large ship-sized baking tin now so I might as well give it a go..wish me luck as i'm going to need it! :O xx
ReplyDeleteHi Marina,
DeleteOMG a titanic cake - that is going to be amazing! I cant wait to see your photos (please, please post them0. I am really getting into this cake decorating thing - like many crafts you kind of get the buzz for it, ha ha! Good luck hon. xxx
Oh wow, what a beautiful spot! And I love the cake too. I bet your son was super pleased with it :o) Estelle x
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