I just found out about a cake decorating contest in my area next week for our local college radio station. This will be my first contest, but have a question. It says all decorations must be edible, does this mean I can't use anything NON-edible to hold the decorations in place?? Here is the specific wording of the rules: The entire creation must be edible, including all decorations. We retain the right to withhold any entry from being auctioned if ingredients or weather conditions give reason to doubt food safety.

I have an idea, but would need to use wire to hold the decorations onto the cake. But would hate to get there and they say...Sorry, NO!!.

You can use spaghetti covered in fondant or RI instead of wire.

You can also make sticks of gumpaste, which will hold up (fondant probably wouldn't dry hard enough).

HTH

I guess I didn't answer your question: yes, according to the wording, everything must be edible.

When I was in the State Fair Cake Show, they were very specific that everything, cake and decoration must be home made..nothing "canned" or "packaged" used as an ingredient..if this is what they say, then yes, everything should be something you can eat and swallow.
good luck..

the best thing to do would be to call and ask. Most people who know cakes also know that cakes sometimes require an internal support system to maintain the structure. I'd find out for sure.

This is a VERY informal cake decorating contest. It is being held to honor our college radio/tv station for 25 yrs. It is being held as a Birthday Party and the judges are going to be a panel of 'local celebrities'. This is the last statement in the rules: Remember this is meant to be a FUN activity as well as a fund raiser for WUWF. Our celebrity judges are not necessarily experts in the culinary arts. Their decisions will be based on a lifetime of good eating and an appreciation of your fabulous creative efforts.. And they said we can use store bought cake, mixes, icing, etc. Just has to be edible. We will get prizes, but not cash prizes. And the cakes are auctioned off in a silent auction after the judging.

This may be a good contest for a first timer!!


But I might try the RI or gumpaste just to be on the safe side.

Thanks, everyone.

good luck and post pix when your done!!

how fun!!! what a great way to get exposure!!!!! glad your entering this contest!!!

let us know everything!!!!


melody

Um....what do "weather conditions" have to do with food safety in this particular case? I must be missing something......

Really though, sounds like a great opportunity! Go for it and for sure post those pics!