Ultimate Cake

From rich, layered gateaux to traditional pound cakes, glazed fresh fruit flans to melt-in-the-mouth chocolate truffle torte, "Ultimate Cake" brings together the most delicious and spectacular cakes from the world's finest cake-making traditions. There are cakes for every occasion, whether a light, airy sponge for afternoon tea, sticky pastries to accompany coffee or luxurious festive creations for special celebrations. Here too are colourful children's party cakes indulgent Italian and Russian treats for Christmas or Easter and an elaborate French croquembouche for a summer wedding. Clear photographs demonstrate every essential baking and decorating technique, from the initial creaming, whisking and blending, to the final decorative touches, such as piping rosettes, sugarfrosting flowers and coating leaves with chocolate. Comprehensive troubleshooting tips explain how to avoid common problems.