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Cakes to Dream On reveals the secrets to fashioning gorgeous and utterly distinctive cakes for all occasions - whether it's an opulent marriage reception (the majestic Ivory Wedding Cake) or a fanciful children's party (the whimsical Homage to Dr. Seuss). Colette presents designs for cake architecture ranging from the imperial splendor of Dolce de Medici, to the elegant grace of Bride's Vintage Cameo, to the topsy-turvy daydream of Mad Tea Party.
Colette begins with the foundations: she illuminates step by step the process of constructing a multitiered cake, from determining serving sizes and choosing appropriate cake pans to making fillings, and ultimately stacking layers so they don't tumble off the table. Cakes to Dream On also discloses insider tricks of the trade: Colette's easy-to-follow instructions in techniques such as sugarwork, gumpaste, brush embroidery, and piping will help readers recreate the spectacular effects of this singular confectioner's toolbox.
Bakers - and their enthusiastic audiences - will discover that these sensual masterpieces tantalize the palate as much as they do the eye. Colette's cake recipes include the Coco-Loco Cake, an alluring marriage of coconut and coffee; the Meringue Buttercream and its luscious lemon, raspberry, and mocha variants; and the ambrosial caramel-tinged Heavenly White Cake.
As breathtaking as Colette's cake works appear, her clear explanations of technique are meant to stimulate readers' creative instincts and give them ideas for crafting their own distinctive confections. With more than 150 dazzling full-color photographs illustrating both processes and finished presentations, and more detailed instruction than ever before, Cakes to Dream On will inspire readers to create their own mouthwatering masterpieces. Colette's master class is truly a launchpad for cake lovers' own confectionary visions.
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Most helpful customer reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars
"Dream On" are the operative words,
By Felicity Estrin (Vancouver, British Columbia Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Cakes to Dream On: A Master Class in Decorating (Hardcover)
While I concede that this book is stunning to look at, Colette Peters does not want you to learn how to make these cakes. The cake decorating instructions are vague and absurdly simplistic in the extreme; general discussion of technique (painting, molding, color-mixing) is either absent or useless in its brevity. Even some discussion of brands of food coloring or gum-paste would have been useful, as the success of these cakes utterly depends on the subtle color hues and graceful sculpturing of fondant and gum-paste. If you enjoy cake decorating, I suggest you get this book out of the library to appreciate the photos. But if you want to develop your skills, do not purchase this book. This is another narcissistic venture by Colette Peters.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars
many of her designs leave me stumped,
By Thea J. Willgress "www.sweetthea.com" (Surrey BC) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Cakes to Dream On: A Master Class in Decorating (Hardcover)
Colette Peters has been around quite a while, and can be credited for starting the trend towards big, crazy, wildly-colored, wacky-shaped cakes - man they are something to behold! Her innovative and amusing gravity-defying cakes are definite attention-grabbers, and her techniques are quite interesting.I have to say, though, that many of her designs leave me stumped - why would I want a cake that looks like stacked box-spring mattresses? Others are densely designed, packing many ideas and colors onto a single work; I sometimes think she aspires to be the Gaudi of cake. This isn't criticism - my creative style is different, that's all, and I am both bemused and amused by her work. Her influence in cake design is considerable, prodding other designers to creative highs and lows. I am fond of this book, both for its imagery and her techniques, and respect Colette's bold risk-taking and success. Recommended for those interested in the history of cake art, and aspiring cake designers curious about the range of design possibilities; but not particularly useful for a pastry chef or a home cook.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice book for intermediate/advance decorators,
By
This review is from: Cakes to Dream On: A Master Class in Decorating (Hardcover)
This book is full of wonderfully detailed cakes which are meant more for professionals rather than the "at home weekend baker". Intrusctions are fairly clear but could be more detailed and perhaps have pictures along with steps in instruction.I use this book frequently and have re-created the cover cake with 2 pots and a cup, the black & blue heart, dreams of balance and dreams of grandeur. I recommend this book for professional or those looking to hire a professional and want original cakes to replicate for that sepcial occasion.
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