Feast for the senses

A beach scene complete with edible sand, shells and starfish and a forest complete with cake trees and earth, biscuit moss and chocolate insects. This was the magical scene that greeted me when I attended the launch of Juliet Sear’s new baking book Cakeology.

After sampling some of the treats on offer – an edible shell, some moss and a stunning cake burger served with biscuit fries – I was invited to try my hand at icing and decorating my own cup cakes. Later Juliet carved a slice of cake from a huge iced tree trunk, while I was left wondering who would be tempted to nibble on one of the marzipan branches.

With a wealth of experience in the cake-making industry, Juliet is the founder of Essex, UK based baking boutique Fancy Nancy and has collaborated with global brands and created many innovative celebration cakes for celebrities as well as royalty. Her cakes are also stocked at London stores Harvey Nichols and Fortnum & Mason.

Juliet’s book includes some inspiring designs alongside mouth watering flavour combinations. Described as “a compendium of sugary creations for every occasion that proves, with gentle guidance, simple steps and lots of enthusiasm, even the most impressive tier of treats is no task too great,” there are plenty of projects for aspiring bakers to get their teeth into. The 20 original recipes in the book include the Vase and Flower Cake, World’s Best Dad Mini Bites and Xmas Mini Snowmen, and step by step instructions, which also include photographs, make them easy to follow.

With the trend for home baking still going strong, this book is a treat for both the professionals and the amateurs among us.