Best Articles Ever

When you begin cake decorating, you can get by with a heavy duty mixer, icing tips, icing bags, cake pans, ready made or recipes for homemade royal icing, mixing bowls, spatulas, and metal icing spatulas. Later on you will want to spread your wings and expand your cake decorating and baking inventory. Below are some of the items you may want to purchase.

1. Rolled Fondant Icing White Vanilla, 2 pounds - $8.88. Rolled Fondant cake icing is a premium quality, non-stick, icing that is pliable and can be rolled out for cake decorating with a rolling pin or mechanical sheeter. This Fondant produces a satiny smooth and elegant finish to any cake. This product can also be used as a modeling paste to create decorative flat or 3-D pieces for your cake decoration.

This product has a mellow flavor and is delicious. It is very pliable and easy to handle . This product can be used over a thin layer of icing or a layer of powdered sugar so that it will not stick. Any cake will take on a beautiful, elegant look when Fondant is used. Different flavors of Fondant are available in various weights and flavors.

2. Buttercream Icing 3 1/2 pounds. Ready to use for cake decorating and icing. Price $8.95, 25 pounds- $46.89, 8 pounds- $16.01.

3. Hexagon Cake Pan- 16 gauge anodized aluminum, straight sides, Hemmed rim for durability, even wall thickness. Also available Cut Corner Sheet Cake Pan, Petal Cake Baking Pans, Heart Cake Pans, Square cheesecake pan with removable bottom, Oval Cake Pan Set, 10 x 2 Aluminum baking ring, Round Cake Pan Sets, Wedding Cake Pan Set.

4. Magic Line Round Cake Pans are made to suit all of your baking needs whether you are a professional or a novice at cake decorating. Set includes one 6 inch, 8 inch, 10 inch, 12 inch, and 14 inch pan.

5. Set of 2 round cake pans from 2 x 2 inch, to 20 x 2. Prices range from $4.84 to $34.10. 3 inch deep cake pans and pan sets at lower prices.

6. Round, fluted cake pans.

7. Non-stick angelfood cake pan.

8. 3 tier Cake and Dessert Stand - $29.29.

9. French Chef Rolling Pin - $6.99.

These and many more cake decorating supplies are available at ultimatebaker.com. This site has all of the newest gadgets and tools that will help with cake decorating. This site is an excellent store for all of your cake decorating needs, whether you are a home baker or a professional cake decorator, there are so many tools at this website, you will find it hard to choose. An excellent site for those who own a cake decorating business, you will benefit from shopping here because of their reasonable prices and their large inventory.

Cake decorating is becoming a large industry. Every celebration includes a cake to share with the participants. A cake decorating business can be a very profitable and fun.

After you have baked the cake, and it has cooled, the next step is decorating the cake. While this can be a fun and pleasurable task, this is also the step that takes a bit of skill and patience. I hope, these tips will allow you to have more fun decorating your cake.

Let's begin with the basics. The cake decorating tips that are essential and things that you need to know before you. You will need a workplace that will afford enough room to be able to decorate your cake without being cramped. You also need to be away from disturbances and you will not need to move away from because you will be in the way of others. The first thing to know about cake decorating, is the fact that the cake must be completely cooled before you make any attempt to decorate. If the cake is still warm, you will run into many problems.

The next item is to make sure you have gathered all of the tools and ingredients for decorating your cake. Some items you will need are: a syringe or piping bag, the type and size tips you will be using, and the coupler to attach the tips to the piping bag. You will need to plan how you will decorate the cake ahead of time, so you can have all of the tools you need on hand when you begin decorating.

To begin with you need to ice, or frost the cake with royal icing, butter cream icing, or fondant icing. To start with, make sure you place a thin layer of frosting over the top to hold the crumbs together. When that is done, you will frost over that layer. It is important to make sure the icing you use is the right consistency. If the icing is too thin or too thick it will affect the end result of your cake decorating. If you are creating a decorated cake and you think your frosting is too thin, you can add a bit more confectioners sugar. Make sure you add this a little at a time as it can become too stiff if you add too much. If you feel your icing is too stiff, carefully add a bit more liquid.

Icing is used in different consistencies for different cake decorating techniques. When you are making roses, or any flower with upright petals, and will be piping figures on the cake, you will want to use a stiff icing or your petals may droop. To make stars, flowers with flat petals, and shell borders, you will want to use a medium consistency. A thin icing is used for writing on the cake, and thinner, more delicate work such as vines and leaves. If you add about 2 teaspoons of light corn syrup to your icing, you will find the icing will flow easier and make it more flexible.

flowers with flat petals. A thin icing mixture should be used for writing characters, and thinner, pointier shapes and styles such as leaves and vines. Add a couple of teaspoons of light corn syrup to the icing mix to make it more flexible and easier flowing.

Once the cake is iced, it is time to begin decorating. The way you hold the icing bag is important, as the direction and angle you hold the piping bag will influence the way the patterns and shapes you will create, will turn out. Thankfully there are only two positions to hold the piping bag to make certain designs.

The firs position is to hold the piping bag at a 90 degree angle, straight up from the surface of the cake. This is used for the simpler decorations that don't involve a lot of movement in making the design. The center of rosebuds, adding eyes to a character or making stars and dots. The other position involves the piping bag being held at a 45 degree angle, or holding the bag half-way between straight up and the surface of the cake.

In this position you have more flexibility to create sweeping styles, and create shapes with your piping hand. You can use this angle for flower petals, or writing on the cake. Some of the piping tips, like the tips for basket weave, petal and ruffle, have ends that are irregular. There is a right and wrong way to hold the bag when working with them.

Now that you know the basics here are a few tips to start you on your way to making a decorated cake.

- Basket Weave - Using this technique will give the sides of your cake the look of a basket. You may want to practice on a piece of waxed paper until you feel confident enough to begin on the cake. Using the basket weave tip and an icing that is of medium consistency, take turns applying a vertical stripe, following it with a horizontal stripe across the vertical. Make sure the horizontal stripes are a bit longer so the vertical stripe will fit across it. Soon you will see a basket pattern become apparent.

- Bows - This technique will make your cake look like a wrapped gift. Use a flat tip and medium icing. Hold your bag at a 45 degree angle and sweep your bag left, making half of the bow. Make the same movement to the right, making a figure 8. Hold the bag and sweep downward and out from the center of the bow, once on each side to make 2 streamers.

- Lacework - This technique is great for wedding or baby shower cakes. You should practice this technique to make sure you have good control before you use it in your cake decorating. Using thin white icing, hold the bag at nearly a 90 degree angle and very close to the surface of the cake. You will want to make a border so you will need to decide how far you want to go in from the edge and make an icing border.

Move the tip up down and around to make many similar shapes, do not touch or cross the other designs. Do this until the area is as full as you want it to be. Now you can go over the border on both sides with a thicker icing. You will be amazed at the lacework you have created.

The right way to use an anchor is probably one of the

least understood areas of boating. If you are new to

boating, you may be thinking - how hard can it be? You

simply throw the anchor in the water, wait until it

hits the bottom, then tie it off, correct?

Anyone who is experienced with boating has probably

seen the types of problems that type of attitude can

cause. Just like everything else in boating, anchoring

requires the right equipment, careful thought, and a

lot of practice.

The starting point is selecting the right ground

tackle (the proper term for the anchor, line, chain,

shackles and swivels) for your boat and your style

of boating. There is no single anchor that will do

everything perfectly. Each style has its own unique

benefits and drawbacks, and each one performs best

under its given conditions.

The Danforth anchor

The Danforth anchor is one of the most popular,

being easily identified by its two long, sharp

pivoting flukes and long shank. The Danforth is

also a great choice for small to medium sized boats

as well. The anchor is light and easy to store,

digs well into sand and mud, and releases easy when

pulled from different directions.

The flukes on the Danforth pivot so that the shank

can be pulled at a more vertical angle. It's ideal

for fishing, which requires quick release and moving

around to different locations. If you fish overnight

a lot or travel to different areas of water you may

want to consider a different anchor, which will

hold better in changing conditions.

The plow anchor

The CQR, or plow anchor, features a single shaped

fluke that pivots at the end of the shank. This

design works well on many bottoms. The plow shank

pivots from side to side, while remaining parallel

to the fluke. This design also makes releasing a

snap when the anchor is pulled vertically.

The Bruce anchor

This anchor was originally created for offshore gas

and drilling rigs. The more scaled down version

of this anchor is popular with boaters. The anchor

holds fast, yet it will still come loose when

pulled vertically.

Always make sure to select an anchor system that

matches the length of your boat, displacement, and

the windage. If your looking for strength, elasticity

and durability, you should use only top quality

braided nylon anchor line.

It's very important that the size and length of

your anchor line is appropriate for your boat and

it's requirements. Small or medium boats should use

a section of galvanized steel chain between the

line and the anchor.

If you are new to boating, anchoring is something

you should become familiar with. As you use your

boat more, you'll pick up the proper anchoring

techniques. Or, if you prefer, you can always take

classes and learn everything you need to know about

anchoring from a qualified professional.

Once you decide to buy a boat, you'll find yourself

wondering how you are going to pay for it. This

type of purchase will involve some type of financing,

whether it's a credit line through the home, an

unsecured loan, or a boat line. Choosing the right

financing source can be just as important as

choosing the right boat.

When choosing a source of financing, there are

several things to consider. The first factor is

how long you plan to keep the boat. If you are

buying a first boat, it'll make more sense to find

a loan that will be flexible enough for an early

payoff via private party or even a trade in.

If you are purchasing the boat of your dreams, you

should expect to have it financed for a long time

which makes it important to get a fixed rate loan

with terms that allow for a low monthly payment.

Another factor you'll need to consider is the

down payment. Most lenders or dealers would like

to see at least ten percent down. Zero down

payments do exist for those with good enough

credit. Normally, the down payment doesn't

significantly change the monthly payment for your

boat loan.

Choosing the right type of boat loan is a very

important part of the entire buying process. You

can start with a boat finance brokerage, which

will show you how each one of the available options

fit into your profile.

Doing this will give you the knowledge and ability

you need to find the loan that best fits you and

your budget. The, you can concentrate on the

important things - taking your new boat out on the

Those of you who have the money and plan to keep

one boat forever, should buy it new. If you happen

to be on a budget and skeptical about owning a

boat, you should buy it used.

Buying used is great for some, although it isn't

always the most glamorous decision. The oceans

and lakes are filled with boaters who are far

wealthier than most. Many boaters go well beyond

their means and finance their boats at extreme

levels.

What really counts with a used boat is being out

there on the water. Someone who is out there

every weekend on his beat up boat is a great

boater. A businessman who only has time to ride

on his 60 foot yacht once or twice a year isn't

considered a boater at all.

If you look around the water, you'll se that the

little boats are the ones that move, while the

big boats are the ones that never move. Those

that are too busy earning money and never have

the time to go boating shouldn't really have a

boat at all.

New boats can lose half of their value in less

than 2 years. With a used boat, the previous

owner has already fixed the problems that are

associated with new boats. The previous owner

has also already hassled with the dealer to get

the warranty service taken care of.

A used boat normally hasn't be used very much

at all. A boat will sit a majority of the time,

which is nothing like a used car. You can find

many boats with less than a couple hundreds hours

of engine time. For the sake of comparison,

look at how many hours are on the engine of your

car.

A used boat will already have scratches and

dings, so you won't feel half as bad when you

add a few of your own. When you purchase your

used boat, you should leave at least a grand to

outfit the boat and make any necessary repairs.

A used boat will normally come with dock lines,

life jackets, spare props, a radio, safety

equipment, and other nice additions. New boat

owners will have to pay hundreds of dollars

for these kinds of things.

The wild card is, of course, whether or not the

previous boat owner did the proper maintenance

of the boat. Prior to buying you should always

get the boat surveyed to be sure that it's in

reasonable condition. This way, you'll know

your getting a great used boat.

Everyone seems to enjoy cakes that are baked at home, it is a wonderful surprise on special occasions. When you are the one bringing the cake, you probably will want the cake decoration to stand out, and look a bit more professional than those you make for your family at home. I have put together a few ideas you may want to try.

Cake Decorating Themes

- Fun and activity: These cakes are full of color and whimsical design. The use of different shapes, Balloons, circles, stars, clouds, and other interesting designs will help to make your cake decorating the talk of the party. With the use of animal crackers, you could make a zoo or farm cake. Your imagination can take you anywhere.

- Say it With Flowers: The use of floral patterns in soft shades, are perfect for cake decorating. The addition of a few green leaves make this type of cake decoration an excellent choice for any special occasion. Flowers are great on wedding cakes, birthday cakes, mothers day cakes, and for other happy celebrations.

- A Little Romance: Romantic cake decorating is perfect for sweethearts day, valentines day, a birthday for a husband or wife, or a wedding anniversary. You can make any color frosting, including the favorite of the person or people you are baking the cake for. You can add hearts, cupids, or anything that will remind the guests what the celebration is about. Use your imagination and make it a little jazzy without going overboard. Just a bit of glitter or candies that sparkle should do the trick.

- "What's Up Doc": Younger children (and some that are over 90) love cartoon characters as much as they love cake. This is why it is a great idea to combine both when decorating a cake for the birthday of someone who loves these whimsical critters. You can either draw them in icing and color them in, or use molds and fondant to make the characters. After they are made, they can be colored before they are placed on the cake. So invite Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Taz, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Garfield, Donald Duck, or any of the many cartoon characters that have stolen our hearts and funny bones, and are doing the same to our children, to the party.

There are some supplies that are essential when you are thinking about cake decorating, these are:

- A professional icing smoother or thin metal spatula. This tool will help you to cover your decorated cake with an even layer of icing, and to make the frosting very smooth so that it can be decorated. This will make the cake look as if a pro did it.

- The use of decoration Molds is a very easy way to make figures and objects to use in cake decorating. You will probably want to start with the basic shapes like circles, squares, or triangles, until you are sure of how to perfect the process. You can move from that to flowers, numbers, and characters. Some molds also have text so you can add a message.

- Icing bags are an absolute essential if you want to do any type of cake decorating. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to use it as you would an ink pen, except it is held with both hands. One hand is used to apply steady pressure on the upper part of the bag, while the other guides the tip to make the decorations.

- The use of frosting flowers that are already made for you is a less time consuming way to add beauty to your cake decorating.

- Edible glitter and colorful sprinkles are a great way to spruce up your cake decorating design. These small additions could be just the thing to give your cake that finishing touch.

- Edible color sprays are quite easy to use, especially when you are using a template. It can be the difference between a cake decoration that is blah, to one that has everyone complimenting you on your artistic ability.

- You can also print out edible photographs of the graduate, that fish that almost got away, or a wedding photo of the bride and groom, the way they looked when they were married to place on their 50th anniversary cake. The paper these edible images are printed on is also edible, so you can place the whole thing on the cake.

A cake stand will make your creation stand out, especially a glass stand.

Below, you'll find many people who sell boats, and

how to go about dealing with them:

Private sellers looking to upgrade

These sellers are those who have outgrown their current

boat and are looking to buy something bigger. Normally,

they are knowledgeable and take care of their boats.

They are also less than likely to give you a

great deal, as they need the money for their next

boat. They are also likely to strip the boat of

electronics and accessories, as they need them for

their next boat.

Private sellers wanting out

These types of sellers decide to sell their boat

because they don't use it much. Even though it may

sound great because the boat may have sat for a long

time, this is actually a bad thing. When a boat

sits for a long period of time, the boots can crack,

batteries can dry up, and many other things can happen.

Sellers who want out may not have maintained their

boat well, as they didn't have a passion for it. You

can get a good deal with these sellers, although

you should be prepared to make some repairs after

you make the purchase.

Forced sales

Sometimes, you are able to find an experienced boater

who is selling due to an injury or disability. Many

times, these boats come well equipped and have been

very maintained. These boats sell quick, as you can

normally get a great deal because the seller needs the

money.

Private sellers who aren't serious

These types of sellers aren't serious about their

boats, as they are trying to get a high price so

they can buy a lower priced boat. They normally

don't care if they sell the boat. If they can't get

a high price, they will normally keep the boat. They

should be avoided, as they can be very frustrating to

deal with.

Dealers

Dealers of used boats normally get their boats on

trade or consignment. They know how to make the

boat attractive, although most times they don't know

the history of the boat too well. Dealers are more

middle men, as they have a profit margin that has

to be met.

Brokers

These sellers normally don't waste time with smaller

boats, as reputable brokers can easily put together

high dollar sells. They aren't really the ones to

help you, as they aren't likely to help you get a

great price on a boat.

When you decide to buy your boat, always proceed with

caution and really think about who you plan to buy

the boat from. This can help you get the best

possible price, avoid headaches, and help you get

what you want. There are many sellers available, all

you have to do is compare prices and see what each

one has to offer you and your family.