VCU students proved they could not only have their cake, but decorate it too, Tuesday night at MCV’s Bear Hall. Not afraid to get into the Halloween spirit, students enthusiastically created spooky-themed cupcakes.
Anne Zielinski, assistant recreational sports director instructed students on the art of cake decorating.
Female and male students alike got into the cake-decorating groove. Smiling faces filled the room as students attempted to create the perfect cupcake.
“Everyone seemed to have a great time,” Zielinski said.
Zielinski took a beginner-cake-decorating course six years ago and teaches a VCU class annually. Zielinski and Nancy Siler, spokesperson for the Wilton cake decorating company provided the Commonwealth Times with Halloween cake-decorating tips.
ZIELINSKI’S AND SILER’S HALLOWEEN CAKE-DECORATING TIPS
Don’t be afraid to use unconventional Halloween-themed icing colors.
“Intense lime green and purple give variation to standard orange,” Siler said.
Draw fun Halloween designs on your cupcakes such as pumpkins, spider webs, or ghosts.
Let your artistic side show!
“You have to have a little bit of artistic talent,” Zielinski said.
Make sure to buy icing specifically made for decorating.
“Regular icing is too loose and your decorations will fall apart,” Zielinski said.
If you are struggling to use the couplers, (two-part devices that allow you to change the decorating tip without changing the bag) buy the non-disposable bags for about $8.
“You have to wash them but they are easier to use.” Zielinski said.
A pre-made cake batter should not stop you from adding personal touches Siler said. Adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger can add a zesty zing to make people think you made it from scratch.
It doesn’t have to be expensive!
“You can use canned frosting, put sprinkles and call it a day,” Siler said.
HAVE FUN! Siler said even though you may want to create a perfect decoration, don’t forget someone is going to eat it.
If cake decorating is something that interests you, beginner classes are offered at stores like Michael’s, A.C. Moore and Jo-Ann’s and prices range from $35-40.