Enjoy Eating Cakes

Treats are good for us. The media is regularly reminding us about the things that we should not be doing, the things that are bad for us or are detrimental to our health and well-being. There always seem to be a new report that informs us about the dangers of some aspect of food, drink, exercise and so on. Increasingly there is a groundswell of opinion that is starting to rebel against this attitude and say that treats are good for us. And, in truth, they are an easy and effective way to de-stress and unwind.

Surely the best way for a good quality of life and happiness is to adopt a more balanced attitude. Have a treat but not every day of the week. Eat what you like, but ensure that there is a healthy and common sense approach applied to the amounts and ingredients used. Go out and party but remember that to earn the money needed to finance that lifestyle requires you to be up bright and early in the mornings.

Diets can be difficult to live by. They are often about deprivation and many people find that when they are on a diet they constantly think about food, what they have eaten, when they are going to eat next, what they are going to eat, what they are allowed to eat. Once they have finished being on their diet many people find that they have learned nothing about eating healthily and often revert back to their old ways, putting the weight, and often more, back on again.

I discuss a healthy eating regime with my clients, a way of eating that will be with them all their lives. This means that they can go out and have fun, eat a lovely meal, have dessert, but then the next day start eating the healthy way again. This approach can also be applied to every other area in life too. Have fun in the casino from time to time, but be aware of it becoming too much of a pull. Enjoy drinking but notice if the volume is increasing over time.

I liken this mindset to a bank account. If a holiday, Christmas or an expensive time is approaching then we try to economise before and afterwards so that we can have a really good time when we want to. We plan to accommodate it, beforehand saving a little, afterwards, catching up with any over spending. That way we balance the books. We understand why we are doing it. We appreciate that it is a commonsense approach towards keeping in control of the situation.

People often use this approach with alcohol. If they have had a heavy weekend many people will not want to touch an alcoholic drink because they feel jaded or hung over. They will often take a few days to recover and give their body a break. In fact an increasing number of people do not drink in the week and it is a good way of reducing their intake. They find that this results in them having a healthier attitude towards alcohol and towards drinking in general. Enjoying it, but not drinking to excess.

Treats are good for us. They are an important way of relaxing and letting off steam. They are an effective way of managing stress and unwinding. They are rewards for effort and a way of giving us a quality of life, especially if times are a little tough. So, that bar of quality chocolate or decent bottle of wine, that bunch of flowers or half an hour in a candle lit bath can make a big difference to how we feel and that can last for some time.

The saying 'you cannot have your cake and eat it' comes to mind. I believe that we can have our cake and eat it, but not all the time. Sometimes it is nice to look at it and appreciate it as a goal to be worked towards, other times we want to enjoy eating it. The times when we enjoy eating it the most are usually when we feel that we have earned it and deserve it. Then we can sit and feel really good about ourselves and our efforts.

Decorating Your Cake

Beautifully iced and decorated cakes immediately draw the eye at weddings, birthday parties, and special events. Cakes can be iced with buttercream, royal, fondant, or cooked icings, and they may feature icing flowers, spun sugar, candy or sprinkles. Cake decorations may include fountains, flowers, or figurine toppers.

How many times have you wished you could decorate a lovely cake and present it to a friend? While creativity and skill are needed to decorate a cake, the right tools, supplies, and techniques make this wish much easier to attain. Cake decorating, like any art or craft, requires knowledge of the subject, careful planning, and practice.

To learn cake decorating techniques and skills, take some lessons offered by your local craft store. An instructor can show you how to prepare your cake and icing, how to assemble and hold a decorating bag correctly, and how to form and apply decorations. After you have mastered cake baking, icing preparation, and basic cake decorating techniques, you can develop your skill and expand your knowledge on your own. Of course, a "how to" book can make it easier to learn! Try out recipes for cakes, and bake a few samples for your family and friends to try. Mix up a variety of icing recipes, and experiment using some of the different decorating tips that are available. Practice on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper — pipe rows of borders and garlands with each tip until you're satisfied with the results. Learn how to form drop flowers with different tips, and make roses using a flower nail. Don't forget to pipe leaf shapes, and practice writing text messages. Use several different icing colors to see what effect a multi-colored border or flower will produce.

Before you begin baking or icing your cake, plan how it should look and taste. Will it have a birthday, wedding, or anniversary theme? Or will it feature a special theme for a holiday or commemorative event? Which cake size is appropriate for the expected number of guests? What cake and icing recipes will you use, and will the cake include a filling? What colors do you plan to use?

After your planning is completed, gather up your recipe and supplies, and bake the cake. While it is baking and cooling, you can prepare your cake board and mix the icings. Buttercream flower decorations can even be piped onto waxed paper and frozen ahead of time, then placed on the iced cake. Royal icing decorations can also be done ahead and allowed to dry for later placement. When your cake is cool, continue to prepare and ice your cake using the techniques you have learned. The iced cake "canvas" is now ready for all the finishing touches!

Delicious Wedding Cake For You

The delicious wedding cake has been a basic part of the wedding celebrations in Western cultures since the middle of the 19th century. The development of the delicious wedding cake has followed the development of culinary and confectionery advancement. While throughout most of Western history, these elaborate cakes in general were the privilege of the wealthy, wedding cakes are nowadays common to most Western wedding celebrations. Around the world many variations on the delicious wedding cake, or rather the wedding pastry or sweets, already exist.

When searching for the right delicious wedding cake, don’t forget to think about the guest. It will be honor for the host to see the guest love the delicious cake party. To get the delicious wedding cake the host may buy the cake from any cake store, since there are many of the cake store which are now provides many delicious wedding cake with many variation of color, taste, and price. But if the host don’t have enough money, or let’s say to safe the money, the host may make the cake in her own kitchen.

No need to worry, to crate the delicious wedding cake, the host don’t have to be a professional cake maker, since there are many site available which provides many recipes to make a delicious wedding cake. To open the inspiration in making delicious wedding cake, the host may pepping at the site, see the cake photos, preparations, and many other technique, then try to create the delicious wedding cake. Then when choosing the wedding cake will be mess their head, since they should match it together with their style, the wedding theme and the decoration. To help the bride and the grooms, today, there are many of the delicious wedding cake shop which is ready to decorate and give a wedding cake selection which will absolutely match to the wedding theme which provides the delicious wedding cake.

Beautiful Cakes Pictures

Good cake pictures have the ability to make your mouth water and your stomach rumble. Here are 18 delicious pictures that do just that.

Birthday Cake by Will Clayton

 Wedding Cake by Cat

Gâteau mousse de Framboise by Ruby Ran

Cup Cake Magnolia Bakery by Yannick Garcia

Decorating Your Wedding Cakes

Weddings are the beginning of a couple’s life together. It signifies the end of their separate lives and the start of their journey together. This is the reason why weddings are usually grand and festive. And with a once-in-a-lifetime celebration like this one, it is only proper that couples spend a lot of money for all that will be used and consumed throughout the ceremony. Among the things that will be prepared for, wedding cakes are usually the ones that get a lot of attention. This is only proper, since the cake will by the symbolic centerpiece of the wedding. So when you get those pictures of wedding cakes, does it occur to you the costs that may arise when you decide on one?

If you do have the skill, you can decorate the cake on your own. In some instances that you don’t, ask for someone you know who can help you out. In fact, turn this into a fun affair for the bridesmaids instead. It’s always better to do something in a group, especially if it involves something like this. Design your cakes with edible laces and flowers. It doesn’t have to be pretty; it just has to be right. Finally, a wedding cake is never complete without wedding cake toppers. Again, for those with the skill in the arts, why not try making your own toppers? Build a paper mache of your little bride and groom instead of buying those costly wax figures.

Finally, and most important of them all, never settle for just any cake! This is the most important celebration that any couple will have as it signifies the start of their journey together. Never settle for anything less. Go for the best wedding cake that can accommodate you and your loved one in this special day.

History Of Birthday Cakes

Some historians think that the custom of the birthday cake was observed in ancient Greece, and they report that the birthday cake began with the Greeks who used to make honey cakes or bread. Ancient Romans celebrated three different types of birthdays: Private celebrations among family and friends, the birthdays of cities and temples, and the birthdays of past and present emperors or members of the imperial family. The 50th year was celebrated with a honey cake made of wheat flour, grated cheese, honey, and olive oil.

　　Others contend that the Birthday Cake tradition was started in Germany in the Middle Ages where a sweetened bread dough was made in the shape of the baby Jesus in swaddling clothes and were used to commemorate his birthday. The Birthday Cake later re-emerged in Germany as a kinderfest, or a birthday celebration for a young child.
　　In England, birthday cakes are baked with symbolic objects inside. In medieval times, objects such as coins and thimbles were mixed into the batter. People believed that the person who got the coin would be wealthy, while the unlucky finder of the thimble would never marry. Today, small figures, fake coins and small candies are more common.
　　Birthday candles originally were placed on cakes to bring birthday wishes up to God. In ancient times, people prayed over the flames of an open fire. They believed that the smoke carried their thoughts up to the gods. Today, we believe, that if you blow out all your candles in one breath, your wish will come true.
　　In the beginning the cakes used to be similar to bread. They were sweetened with honey and enhanced with nuts and dry fruits. According to food historians, ancient Egyptians were the first to show evidence of advanced baking skills. Medieval European bakers used to make fruitcakes and gingerbread that could last for months. Around the middle of 17th century, Europeans had made considerable advancement in the art of making cakes. They began to make what can be called precursor to modern cakes that were round and had icing. This was mainly due to the development of technology that made available reliable ovens, food moulds and refined sugar. At that time cake hoops - which were round wooden or metal moulds for shaping cakes were placed on flat pans to effect the shape.
　　First icing that was used in cakes were usually a boiled composition of finest available sugar, egg whites and flavors. Then icing used to be poured on the cake and then the cake was put back into the oven for a while. When the cake was taken out, the icing cooled quickly to form a hard glossy ice-like covering. Mouled cakes and fancy ices reached their zenith in Victorian times.
　　With the time, the art of baking cakes kept progressing and it was not until the middle of the 19th century that the cake we know of today developed. Taste and appearance of the cake was enhanced with extra-refined white flour and the use of baking powder instead of yeast.

Beautiful Cakes Shapes For Wedding

 Round
While some might think the shape a little plain, the simplicity of a round cake provides the perfect backdrop for interesting textures and colors.
Decorating tips for the taking: There's no need to hold back on decor with a round cake. Stunning ideas: an allover quilted or pleated pattern; embossed fondant in the shape of your wedding day motif or monogram; or a colorful cascade of sugar flowers.

Square
A square cake is the modern alternative to a round cake -- perfect for couples looking for something different but not too over-the-top.
Decorating tips for the taking: Play up the shape as little or as much as you want. Soften the hard edges with elegant touches like sugar flowers, pastel colors, and paper-thin embellishments. Or, emphasize the shape by outlining each tier in ribbon.

 Petal
Often referred to as "scalloped," this shape has a flowerlike appearance. Play up the petal shape for a garden wedding, or use the shape on the bottom tier of a round cake to add interest.
Decorating tips for the taking: To keep the cake from looking too bold, go light with the add-ons to complement and draw attention to the unique shape. We love a white-on-white cake with a burst of colorful sugar flowers to top it off.
This six-sided wonder is the creative answer to a modern square cake. With such a striking appearance, you'll want to keep the adornment clean and simple -- the shape itself brings a lot to the table even without any decoration.
Decorating tips for the taking: Outline each tier in buttercream pearls, accent with fresh or sugar paste green cymbidium orchids, or keep it completely free of decor, save an heirloom or flower cake topper.

 Topsy-turvy
This shape has serious attitude. While it's sure to make a bold statement at your wedding, consider the overall style of the day -- it's perfect for a funky loft or restaurant, but won't work as well in an elegant ballroom or country club.
Decorating tips for the taking: Stray from anything traditional like flowers, and play up the unique design with plenty of funky add-ons and bold colors. We recommend diamond fondant cut-outs in a bold mix of colors.

Recipe: Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cake

　　Wendy Robin from Cockeysville, Md., was looking for a recipe for a dessert her mother used to make in the '50s and '60s. As she recalls, ladyfingers were used to line the bottom and the sides of a springform pan and there was some sort of a chocolate, mousselike filling. It was served chilled.

Alice Murphy from Providence, R.I., sent in a recipe from the August 1999 issue of Bon Appetit for a Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cake that she thought was probably just what Robin was looking for.
Murphy says she substitutes cream cheese for the butter because she thinks it gives the filling a richer flavor and improved texture, and she also brushes the ladyfingers with Kahlua before she uses them to line the pan. I followed her suggestions when I tested the recipe, and the result was a decadently rich showstopper of a dessert.
This is not difficult to make; the most challenging part of this recipe may be finding the ladyfingers. Fortunately, my local gourmet grocery stocks them year round.
Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cake

Makes 12 servings
60 ladyfingers (sponge cake type, three 3-ounce packages)
1/4 cup or more Kahlua (optional) used for brushing on the ladyfingers, if desired
2 3/4 cup whipping cream (chilled), divided
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate (chopped)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar, (plus 2 tablespoons), divided
1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); cream cheese may be substituted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 ounce semisweet chocolate (grated)
1. Line bottom of a 9-inch diameter springform pan with ladyfingers. Line sides of pan with ladyfingers, standing ladyfingers side-by-side with the rounded side facing out.
2. Stir 3/4 cup whipping cream, unsweetened chocolate and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a heavy saucepan over low heat until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove saucepan from heat and cool to room temperature.
3. Using electric mixer, beat 1 cup powdered sugar, butter (or cream cheese) and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a large bowl until blended. Beat in cooled chocolate mixture.
4. Combine remaining 2 cups cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and cinnamon in another large bowl. Using clean dry beaters, beat until firm peaks form. Fold half of whipped cream mixture into chocolate mixture.
5. Spread half of the chocolate filling into ladyfinger-lined pan. Top with layer of ladyfingers, then remaining chocolate filling. Pipe or spread whipped cream mixture over filling. Sprinkle with grated semisweet chocolate.
6. Refrigerate until firm, at least three hours. Can be made one day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated. Remove pan sides from cake and serve.

Cake pops are soo good and easy to make!

Cake pops are soo good and easy to make! tou can get sooo creative with them for any occasion! this recipe isnt for turkey cake pops, but they are super simple to decorate once you know how to make the standard cake pop!
When i first saw cake pops at starbucks i thought it was a gimmic. but i tried one and it was sooooo good. it doesnt have that spongy texture of cake, but more like a play dough texture! you have to try it!
what you need! - cake mix (1 box makes 20-50 cake pops) - a container of frosting, - choclate chips,(white chocolate chips,(peanut butter chips ect.) - and sticks( you can purchase from craft stores) or something similar to like a lollipop stick.
how to- first, make a cake! let it cool for a few hours in the fridge until cold. take out cake and put it into a large mixing bowl. start crumbling and tearing apart the cake with your hand until basically all crumbs. then mix together with your frosting until mixed in completly.(using hands). it will feel like play dough! then take pieces of the cake and roll it into little balls. place them on a cookie sheet with wax paper underneath. poke holes in the middle of your cake balls before you put sticks in. then melt some chocolate chips and dip the top of your sticks in it then stick it in the middle of then cake pops. this will help them stay on the stick. put in freezer for about 30 minutes to harden. then pour choclate chips into a measuring cup and melt. take out every 20 seconds to stir(or pour chocolate chips into pan and put oven on low heat and mix until melted) dip your cake pops into the chocolate and put back on cookie sheet. put in fridge for a few hors the take them out, decorate, and en

Cake for Dessert!

　　 Cake for Dessert!

　　One night, my boyfriend and I were craving something sweet so we went to a small desert place called Simply Desserts. Anyways I got the "Chocolate White Chocolate" and in the second picture, my boyfriend got the "German Chocolate Cake." Mine was okay, the cake part actually reminded me of a store bought cake by the German cake was moist and delicious! Have you guys ever had German cake before? What's your favorite kind?

Fruit cake

　　
If you are diabetic and must avoid sugary treats, then these sugar-free Lent dessert ideas for diabetics should get you indulging. The best way to indulge in sugary treats is to substitute Splenda or Stevia for sugar. Very traditional yet very healthy, these delicacies delivers a guilt-free indulgence, which means you can gorge on them as much as you like without having to bother about your soaring glucose levels. Read on for more on this.