Exploding Present Cake

In contrast, the next cake to follow was decided upon the morning of Lina’s 60th birthday dinner.  Perusing through designs from the Planet Cake books, I opted for the ‘exploding present’ cake - one tier and what I expected to be simple to make.  I chose a white chocolate mud cake and although the shape was perfect, the cake itself was slightly burnt at the edges - must try it again though because the rest of it tasted nice!  I also stupidly did not let the cake completely cool due to my impatience disorder (!) which caused some complications later!  Rookie mistake!  The idea is that you cut out two identical circles and place them in the middle of the cake, ensuring that no glue is applied in between the two circles.  Then a layer of white fondant needs to be placed over the whole cake including the circles.  Incisions are then made through the fondant where the circles are to resemble a pie shape.  These incisions need to be peeled back for an explosion effect.  However, as mentioned, my cake was too warm and the two circles of fondant stuck together.  Sometimes, a mistake like that can ruin the cake but instead of losing heart, you need to find another way to fix it or alter the design!  Things don’t always go according to plan!   To rectify this, triangles were cut out, curled and placed around the circle to imitate the effect.  Silver cachous were scattered in the circle and ribbons were created from fondant to add to the ‘present’ picture.  To finish the cake, coloured stars on wire were inserted in the middle of the cake rising out of the explosion.

Despite the flaws, the cake still worked somehow!  My new approach to cake decorating is not to rush and stress but to bake and decorate in a relaxing manner!  Just the way it should be!  Bon Appetit!