Cake Decorating With Frosting Sheets

Cake Decorating with Frosting Sheets by Theresa Happe

Frosting sheets are thinly pressed and rolled out sheets of icing that can be used in many different ways to decorate cakes and other desserts. Different methods of cutting them allow them to cover an entire cake or become a decorative element. Printing on them allows you to take any design or photo and add it to your cake. Even the novice cake decorator can use different techniques to create a professional looking cake.

White frosting sheets are commonly used to print photos and designs. They come in legal and letter sizes so they can fit right into the paper slot of a printer. Granted, you won’t use a printer that is used for regular printing, but any printer that hasn’t touched toxic ink and is used exclusively for edible ink cartridges can print out photos or designs either from your personal computer or by scanning them into the printer.

You can top an entire cake with a photo to personalize a birthday cake or print them out in the common photograph sizes to create a photo collage or adhere them to a frame made from gum paste, which can sit right on top of the cake.

Here are a few different methods of transforming them into decorations on your cake:

1. Using a punch to cut out a single design to add to the cake or a length consisting of repeated punched out sections to create a border.
2. Cutting strips with scissors to create designs. Craft scissors come with all different patterns from wavy to zigzag, etc.
3. Adhering a print to fondant or gum paste to create a fun, decorative element, i.e. a print can become the petals of a fondant flower.
4. Covering the entire cake or just the sides with the print.
5. Adding a photo or other image to the top of the cake, i.e. a print of a cartoon character.
6. Create a photo collage with multiple photo print-outs.
7. Cutting a print with an electronic cutting machine to create patterns or letters.
8. Quilling the frosting sheet and sticking the design on the top or sides of the cake.

There are so many things you will do with this medium once you start playing with it. Not only can it be used on fondant and gum paste, it can be put on modeling chocolate, marzipan or buttercream icing. You can put a design on a cake and then pipe along the lines of the design to give even greater detail.

Not all frosting sheets are equal. Some are really thin and can tear easily. Others taste like cardboard. Premium icing sheets are thicker and bend to conform perfectly to the curves of the cake. With a pair of scissors, a printer or a punch, you can do very simple techniques that will render a very professional looking cake.

Theresa Happe is a cake decorator and fan of Icing Images where you can find a wide variety of frosting sheets and supplies for cutting and printing them to make cakes, cookies, cupcakes and other desserts.

Article Source: Cake Decorating with Frosting Sheets

Sorbet: A Healthy Treat For Those On A Diet

Sorbet: A Healthy Treat for Those on a Diet by aaucoin

If you are tired of having to give up some of your favorite foods, and fed up with having to maintain a bland and tasteless diet, don't give in to despair just yet. There are some healthy alternatives that you can still eat as a replacement for those unhealthy snacks, and you won't have to worry about them causing a problem with your diet. One such alternative is sorbet. This delicious desert is less fattening than regular ice cream, and healthier than light ice cream because it is made with real fruits and natural flavors.

Depending on your particular diet and weight loss goals, you can incorporate sorbet into your daily requirement of fruits. Since many popular flavors are made from real fruit purees, there are virtually no syrups or artificial flavors being used in its production. You can eat it anytime of day or night, and it is also very affordable. You can store sorbet just as you store ice cream in your freezer, and not have to worry about having to going through any special steps to keep it fresh. Like any food, keep track of when you purchased it, and remember that it has about a three-month expiration date.

Since there is a lower fat and air content in sorbet, you don't have to feel guilty if you over indulge in this particular dessert. Depending on the flavor, you can find it made with low-fat milks, water, and real fruit juices as well. If you are in need of a wide variety of healthy treats to reward yourself for your daily accomplishments with your diet, you can't go wrong with this fruity delight.

Take some time and explore the wonderful world of sorbet. Experience firsthand how you can develop a more satisfying appreciation for healthier foods and desserts. Once you become more comfortable with your diet, you will feel and look much better. Have fun by getting and shape and expanding your food options. By increasing your food choices, you can learn and find more ways to purchase and prepare meals and desserts you will enjoy, and will not conflict with your diet. You may be surprised at what dietary combinations you can make that will compliment your diet, and enable you to reach your goals much easier.

Don't sneak and cheat with fattening foods that contain a high percentage of unnatural sugars and artificial flavors. Instead, choose desserts that use real fruit purees and other fresh and natural ingredients. This will keep you on track, and you will have the body and weight that you have worked so hard to achieve.

Sorbet can be a great addition to the list of foods that you rely on during your diet. Visit http://ciaobellagelato.com for great recipes to try, and incorporate into your daily meals.

Article Source: Sorbet: A Healthy Treat for Those on a Diet