Cake Decorating: Fun with Fondant—Basics & Birthdays, 1

A co-owner of The Dessert Tray in Beaverton, OR, principal baker Robin Hassett shows off her techniques for eye-catching—and delicious—fondant cakes in this near-two-hour instructional guide. Filmed in a kitchen, the “Basics” section finds Hassett pointing out workstation staples including a turntable, plastic wrap, rolling pin, cutters, latex gloves (although she does use her bare hands often), offset spatula, brushes, paste, gel, and “luster dust.” Viewers also learn how to make fondant from scratch (although, as a time-saver, Hassett confesses “…really, I would buy it”) with powdered sugar, corn syrup, glycerin, and other items, as well as how to craft realistic-looking fondant flowers and how to prep the cake for decorating by using a buttercream coating to “seal in” crumbs. As for demonstrations, Hassett creates a gift box cake with a bow and a two-tiered child's party cake. Along the way, the amiable Hassett clarifies terms while presenting her directions and tips. Also featuring PDF recipes, this is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)