Baking Tip of the Week - easy ways to decorate your cakes

I am not blessed with patience or a steady hand, so decorating cakes is always a challenge for me. I have found simple ways to decorate my cakes as I acknowledge that cakes need to look as good as they taste!

I grow mini roses and edible flowers in my garden and use them to decorate my cakes. Heartsease are wonderful mini flower that come a variety of shades and self sow ensuring a continuous supply. Together with a generous sprinkling of icing sugar they can make a pretty finish for your cake.

Using a gently beaten egg white, dip the flowers in the egg and then roll in sugar. Allow to dry and use as a cake decoration.

Using nuts is a wonderful way to decorate cakes, brownies and cupcakes. Left whole they look beautiful and can be used with dried or fresh fruit to pretty up your cakes. To decorate a cupcake pipe icing in a swirl on top and finish off with a whole hazelnut.

Make caramel by melting a cup of sugar over medium heat. Pour over nuts and allow to harden. Use these to decorate cakes or ice cream. I serve these nuts on a cheese platter too!

Using berries when in season, or defrosting frozen berries, is particularly effective when used on white icing or on top of a cheese cake.

Kit Kat fingers, elongated biscuits and chocolate sticks are a wonderful way to edge a cake. Ice your cake and then place then up the sides forming a circle. Fill the centre with chopped nougat and Lindor balls for a decadent treat.
Using sweets and chocolates is a great way to decorate cakes too.

Placing a ribbon around the side of your cake also makes a polished finish.