We’ve all seen those beautiful cakes – you know the ones I’m talking
about – covered in retro polka dots or decorated with ribbons, chocolate
collars and cigarellos… well, Katrien’s
Cakes shows you exactly how to make these delicious trimmings, using all
sorts of chocolate techniques. Yum!
Katrien van Zyl manages to be comprehensive without being intimidating.
She includes all the information you could ever need – from equipment lists to
serving guides. You’ll learn how to fill and coat cakes, as well as how to
stack them, and most importantly, how to work with chocolate.
There is one thing you do need to learn before beginning any of her
projects – and that’s how to temper chocolate. I’ve been petrified to try it
ever since watching a few Masterchef Australia contestants fail miserably at
making chocolate collars. But Katrien really makes it look simple. Her
instructions are clear and precise, accompanied by helpful photos, making her
technique very easy to follow. I’ll definitely be giving her method a bash.
The book includes 20 original decorating designs to copy. Each design is
given a full-page photo of a cake decorated using the finished product. This is
great because it shows you the overall effect. Her chocolate design
instructions are accompanied by step-by-step photos, as well as a recipe for
the cake mixture. Each cake-decorating project includes helpful tips and hints.
Learn how to make chocolate flowers and roses; truffle towers; pleated, curved
and lace collars; buttercream icing; chocolate ganache filling; chocolate paste
and much more. All recipes include a star rating – one star for easy, two stars
for in-between and three stars for difficult, so you can start at beginner
level or jump right in at advanced level.
If you’re a chocoholic like me, you’re going to have a hard time putting
this book down. Whether you’re a skilled baker, or a cake-in-a-box extraordinaire,
this book is perfect for adding that personal touch to your creations.
Reviewed by Tarryn Henrick
Published by Metz Press