A comprehensive step-by-step guide to all the techniques and recipes you need to create accomplished and stylish cakes. Whether you are new to cake decorating and simply want to make something special for a birthday or anniversary, or whether you are already familiar with the basic techniques but need some inspiring ideas to expand your skills, this book should help. It contains both expert instructions and innovative design ideas and is aimed at both beginners and those with some experience. Structured around graded sections which increase in difficufty, from basic cakes and gateaux, through chocolate and novelty cakes to more elaborate celebration cakes using sophisticated royal icing, sugarpaste and piping techniques. Each chapter begins with all the basic recipes, equipment and techniques which you need to create that kind of cake, illustrated at each stage with step-by-step photographs.