American Cake Decorating magazine’s roving reporter, and resident “Art of Buttercream” expert, Kerrie Wyer gives us the ‘cakey-bakey’ scoop from the Melbourne, Cake Bake and Sweets Show!
The air is rich with the smell of baked goods and chocolate , as well as what I would later discover was a Nutella filled Donut cone (OMG!).
Sounds of friends greeting each other, and protestations that yes, they DO need another set of Sugar Shapers, ring through the Convention Centre, as the doors open to the 2016 Cake Bake and Sweets Show in Melbourne.
Some are here for the Competition, some to nab the latest gadget, but one way or another, we are all here for a shared love of Cake.
There were sprinkles, and shapers, and even shoes, (because why not?!) but a few things really stood out, so let’s wrap up the CBSS ’16, with my favourite things!
Vizyon Fondant
There’s a new fondant in town! Produced in Turkey, this new fondant is endorsed by the legendary Sedar Yener, with whom I spoke about its unique formula.
“It doesn’t dry out, and you get no ‘Elephant Skin’. These [the cut samples] have been sitting for a while, under the lights, and they haven’t dried out. A little kneading, and they can be used on your cake”
Now fair enough fondant isn’t my bag baby, but no elephant skin sounds pretty awesome to me!
With a texture and scent akin to marshmallow fondant, and no animal products, it certainly ticks some boxes, So I look forward to hearing the fondant folk’s feedback!
Edible Art Paint – Metallics
I knew how awesome these were, as I had road tested them just last week (You can find my road test here: http://www.vivalabuttercream.com/metallic-edible-art-paints/), but minds were blown left and right! They paint on fondant, chocolate, and (most importantly!) Buttercream!
The show was the “soft release” of the new 100% Edible Metallic range from Sweet Sticks, with the full range now available for purchase everywhere.
I caught up with Miranda (the creator of these incredible paints), and asked her what the response has been to her new Edible Metallics?
“Overwhelmingly amazing.. seeing everyday new creations from people using my paints has been mind blowing!”
And can we expect even more awesomeness from Sweet Sticks?
“Yes! Lots more!! More originals, more metallics, a natural range under development now, and some special cake artists helping with some special colours.. more on that next year!”
Ooh sounds exciting, watch this space!
With 100% Edible ingredients, and full FDA testing underway, these little babies are my pick for the hottest new product of 2017.
Art of Cake Challenge
There’s no denying the INCREDIBLE standard of Decorating we have here in Australia, and that’s not just the patriotism talking!
There were stunning wedding cakes, vibrant Willy Wonka Novelty cakes, intricate piping, and incredible modelling. There were sadly no Buttercream entries though (sad face!)
The Grand Champion and Winner of the Open Wedding Division was Sandra Jones with this breathtakingly exotic wedding cake. And all that hand piping! Congratulations Sandra!
Rather disappointingly though, I cannot find a list of awarded cakes anywhere, which considering the time and effort that would have gone into those cakes, is not cool. Definitely something to work on CBSS peeps!
The Chocolate Genius
The incredible Paul Joachim blew audiences away with his live sculpting of a life size chocolate replica of Melbourne Cup Jockey Michelle Payne (which he Live sculpted WHILE fielding questions from the audience!)
I caught up with Paul and his awesome wife, and talked about the artistic side of edible Art.
“As artists we are perfectionists, and you want [your work] to be the best it can be”
And indeed it is. What an incredible feat in just 3 days, and live, AND under lights! My hat is off to you Sir!
And side note, I’m totally coming to get some of that Chocolate bread!
Support your shows
At the end of the day, we can only continue to enjoy the awesome experience that is a cake show, if we continue to support them. If we want to keep seeing incredible International talent, cake competitions, and a plethora of exciting food and baking experiences, we need to keep attending them. So I’m off to get a Donut Cone, see you guys at the next show!
Kerrie Wyer
xo
