Rose's Heavenly Cakes (91 page)

Authors: Rose Levy Beranbaum

BOOK: Rose's Heavenly Cakes

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Equipment for Decorating

Pastry Tubes and Tips

Small tubes, referred to as decorating tips, are used for small decorations. Larger tubes, referred to as pastry tubes, are used to pipe large festoons of whipped cream. In the recipes, I have suggested the diameters of the tubes and numbers for the tips where you need to use them. I did not list numbers for the tubes as they vary according to manufacturer. The numbers apply to Wilton, Ateco, and Parrish tips, available at cake decorating supply stores (see
Equipment Sources
). Be sure to choose seamless stainless steel tubes.

Pastry Bags and Resealable Plastic Freezer Storage Bags

Pastry bags are useful not only for piping and decorating, but also for filling small cake pans. Disposable plastic pastry bags that can be cut to desired size are available in cake decorating supply stores and have all but replaced the traditional nylon pastry bags. I also like to use heavy-duty resealable quart- and gallon-size freezer storage bags, especially with children, because the bags are readily available and disposable, and the top of the bag seals shut so the filling can't work its way out of the bag should your grip be too relaxed.

If using a large pastry tube, simply cut off a small semicircular piece of plastic from one corner of the bag and insert the tube through the opening. When using a small decorating tip that would otherwise work its way back into the bag, insert the nozzle portion of a coupler first. Before filling, seal off the tube opening by twisting the bag directly above the tube and pushing it into the tube to keep the filling from leaking out. Invert the bag over a wire bag holder, blender container, or large glass, fill the bag with the mixture, and close it securely.

Turntables

For the average cake, an inexpensive plastic turntable such as a lazy Susan, sold in housewares stores and supermarkets, works as well as a professional heavyweight footed variety. To bring the level up to the desired height, place the turntable on a large inverted cake pan. When frosting and decorating large tiered cakes, use a sturdy heavyweight turntable. The turntable can be transformed into an elegant cake server by placing a large serving plate or piece of marble on top. The heavyweight turntable is available from cake decorating supply stores.

Flower Sinkers

Little plastic vials equipped with tiny sponges to hold water are indispensable for keeping real flowers fresh, particularly if you are decorating a cake with them a day ahead of serving. The smallest ones are available from a florist or flower supply shop.

Equipment Sources

Some Web sites will sell directly to the consumer while others may recommend a distributor near you. Because suppliers may change their inventory, it always pays to check the Internet for current product information.

Allied Metal Spinning Corp

www.alliedmetalusa.com
800-615-2266 (wholesale only; call for distributors)

Bridge Kitchenware Corporation

www.bridgekitchenware.com
800-274-3435

Broadway Panhandler

www.broadwaypanhandler.com
866-266-5927

CDN (Component Design Northwest)

www.cdn-timeandtemp.com
800-338-5594

Chicago Metallic

www.focuspg.com
800-238-2253

Country Kitchen Sweetart

www.ccountrykitchensa.com
260-482-4835