Cakes & Sugarcraft Magazine January/February 2022 Back Issue

Taking up a new hobby is at the top of many people’s lists over the New Year, and baking is a great one to get into. If you’re new to the world of cake making, ease yourself into it with some straightforward bakes, like the homemade Jammy Dodgers recipe or Emma Ivane’s delicious chocolate cake and matching cupcakes.

If you’re looking for a slight challenge, why not experiment with isomalt and simple chocolate work? There's a dramatic blue and gold cake that really shows off the beauty of isomalt, as it’s moulded to create a beautiful decoration. Topped off with some couverture chocolate balls, this would be perfect for any celebration.

Get pulled out of a winter slump with a stunning springtime creation, featuring an ombre buttercream design with piped flowers, palette knife painted greenery and finished with a little gold leaf. There’s also an array of springtime sugar flowers for you to try. Pamela McCaffrey’s sweet spray of pink tulips and parrot tulips adorned on a classic white cake is suitable for any event. And let’s not forget Elena Wilkinson’s cheery yellow arrangement of ranunculuses, mimosas and daffodils.

The tropical bird cake and cute bookworm cake both use simple modelling techniques and would work great for birthdays. We’ve also got some colourful cakesicles adorned with moulded decorations that would make a perfect birthday gift.

Interested in cookie decorating? Check out cookie artist Kelsey Mae's breathtaking pieces of edible art, which will help capture the love and beauty of anyone’s special day, be it at a wedding or engagement.

And speaking of love, here’s a reminder of an important holiday coming up: Valentine’s Day. Rachel Bevan’s dreamy graze box will send a lovely message to anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether it’s for your Valentine, best friend or a bit of self-love, these handmade treats will have you falling head over heels.