Colette's Birthday Cakes (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "To celebrate the birthday of an Aquarius, the zodiac sign whose symbol is the water bearer..." (more)
Key Phrases: iridescent powdered colors, mix gold powder, plain tart pan, Rice Krispies, Morning Glory, Large Wilton (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

A cake is de rigeur for any American birthday celebration worthy of the name. Continuing her series of volumes pictorializing her sumptuous cakes, Peters brings her decorative skills to cakes designed specifically for birthday observances. And anyone receiving a cake like one of Peters' creations should be particularly grateful. Peters' skill with milled fondant overshadows that of most other professional bakers. She can carve fondant into tight, sharp geometries, or she can swirl it, fold it, and wave it into silken ruffles and curves that belie its solidity. Line drawings assist the cook in recreating these elegant pastries, but only professionals and those with some formal training in handling fondants and cake-decorating tools and techniques will readily pick up on Peters' barebones instructions. Recipes, too, reflect a professional's approach, measuring by weight rather than volume. Mark Knoblauch
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description

No one makes more beautiful cakes than Colette Peters. Now anyone with an interest in pastry art can make them at home. There are cakes for every sort of birthday celebrant. Each month has a sign of the zodiac cake (for Aquarius, a Water Pitcher mosaic), a birthstone cake (for June, a Crown of Pearls), and a flower cake. In addition there are assorted cakes such as a doctors bag, a chess set, and an Art Deco confection. The book includes delicious basic recipes and instructions for everything from how to build a tiered cake to airbrushing with sugar.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 182 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316702749
• ISBN-13: 978-0316702744
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,584 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration from the Best in Cakes, March 10, 2003

By	C. Bennett (New England) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Colette Peters is a master of cake design and artistry. She shows us that baking can transcend the limits of the kitchen, and delve into the canvas and paints of the artist. It is no surprise to discover that Miss Peters is a trained artist. It is also not a surprise to discover that her work graces the tables of Bette Midler, the White House, and Tiffany's at Christmastime.

This brightly-colored book is arranged topically: Signs of the Zodiac (12 designs), Flowers of the Month (4 designs), Birthstones (3 designs), and Assorted Party Cakes (14 designs). There are also two chapters devoted to Basic Recipes and Basic Instructions. Miss Peters has thoughtfully included a list of Sources for equipment and supplies at the back of the book.

Each design includes: Number of Servings, List of Ingredients, paragraph-form instructions on how to assemble and decorate the cake, a full-color photograph, and patterns (most patterns require enlargements).

While the instructions are specific, and basic instructions at the back of the book are extensive, I would not consider this a book for the beginning cake decorator. More advanced and intermediate cake decorators will enjoy creating their own cakes based on these ideas. This is a wonderful gift for the aspiring cake decorator.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Colette's Birthday Cakes" definitely worth the wait!, March 23, 2000

By	Sara Mazzo (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

Last August I, along with people from across the U.S. and around the globe, had the pure pleasure of sitting in a class taught by Colette Peters during the 1999 I.C.E.S. Annual Convention (International Cake Exploration Society) held in Kansas City, Missouri. There she announced that her new book would be available in the Spring of 2000. Rest assured that this cake baker from Oklahoma was not alone in anticipating the arrival of this book. Whether you enjoy creating cakes for your friends and family or for paying customers, Colette's fresh new ideas will inspire you, no matter what your skill-level or experience may be. Her talents are obvious with each new cake and cleverly displayed through beautiful pictures. She has incorporated several well-known cake decorating techniques along with her own special touches to come up with original ideas sure to strike your fancy. The instructions that accompany each cake are consistantly clear and easy to follow. Be sure to add this one to your collection of cake decorating books.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars colette is a creative genius, May 10, 2000

By A Customer

colette peters is not only a fabulous cake stylist but also the best and most imaginative artist in the field. She has an unlimited imagination and her book reflects this talent. Her instructions are detailed and do not leave out a bit of information...she is generous in her willingness to share all her secrets for creating her wonderful masterpieces!