To be sure, most people choose to have a professional service create their wedding cake for them. However, there are a few ambitious families out there who enjoy the challenge — and memories — of creating their own wedding cake. But where to start? Obviously you need a good recipe. I made a couple of stops yesterday, at a large library and then a large bookstore, to find what I consider some of the best books available for creating a Wedding Cake masterpiece. This article discusses three of those books.

My first choice is The Wedding Cake Book, by Dede Wilson. Although it retails at $39.95, it can be bought new for as little as $26. This book has it all: the ideas, complete and very detailed how-to directions, recipes, tricks of the trade and very importantly, the time lines to help you organize the task of making and decorating your masterpiece. It’s a great book for a novice.

Next on my list is (Don’t laugh) Martha Stewart’s Wedding Cakes. And no, I don’t believe she picked up these recipes while in prison. Retail price for this one is $48, although online, it sells for $37.80. In addition to the recipes that
you would expect, this volume features Ideas for cutting costs without sacrificing quality or beauty, plus a section on how to incorporate traditions from around the world.

Finally, I recommend Beautiful Cakes by Peggy Porschen. I toss this one in because it’s the best low-cost book I found. Selling for about $12, the book contains an easy-to-follow Basics section covering equipment, recipes and techniques. Although the author tackles other cakes besides just wedding cakes, it is for her wedding
cakes that she is best known–and it’s here where she really shines.

So there you have it: My suggestions for where you can get help if you decide to tackle the mighty task of creating your own wedding cake.



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