Flower nail trick question... - Page 2

OK so finally kinda figured out the current program I have to modify my photo, but I couldn't actually resize my picture so I just cut part of it out to get a close up. In this photo I am greasing my nail before I add the batter. The overall picture shows more detail and I have more pictures to go along with it to show some other tips I use when prepping my pan... but that will be in the article.

HTH

Leily

I usually dip the top of the nail in cake batter so it will stick to the parchment, that way I don't have to worry for it getting misplaced while pouring the batter. I don't even grease it but there was no problem at all. I think greasing it is better 'cause you know that it will not stick to the cake.

I really like this trick too although 2 of my nails that I just bought last week have rusted. I think maybe they are not dishwasher safe? I've heard that you can put them in coke to make the rust dissolve but haven't tried that yet.

Just wanted to add....when I use the nails, I cut a square of wax paper or parchment and push the nail through it. That way the paper touches the batter, not the metal nail. When I invert the baked cake, the little wax paper squares are stuck on the cake, but peel right off with no problem.

I just baked a twelve inch cake and used 4 nails, one in the center and the other placed in a triangular position around the center nail. It worked great!! I used to use the heat core, but no more. The nails worked super!!!

Can any one advise me how to use a flower nail in a topsy turvy pan.... I have today made to topsy turvy tiers and both have sunk in the middle .... Would love to get this cake right as I have to make the real thing for New Year's Eve party .... I have only just started baking cakes. I have altered my normal recipe on the second try this didn't sink as much but still has a nice little dent in it ..... Many thanks

 I have used flour nails in Fat Daddio’s topsy turvy pans without any problem.  I have the Ateco heat core nails which have flat bottoms and don’t rust, but are similar to flour nails.    To keep the nails in place during baking, cut a parchment circle to fit the bottom of the pan.  Poke holes in the paper where you want the nails to be.  Grease and flour your pan.  Set the nails in the pan, pointed side up of course, and place the parchment paper over the nails, so they poke through the holes.  (I have never bothered to grease the nails).  The parchment holds the nails in place, and after baking when you turn out the cake, they are easily removed as the base is outside of the paper.  If that doesn’t help it may be your recipe.  Are you using doctored cake mixes? That was one reason I abandoned cake mix based recipes.  Good Luck!

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by yortma - 12/5/12 at 6:27am

I bake from scratch .... Made the same mix again and bake in a normal pan no sinking ... So the only thing I can think is that is the topsy turvy pans and not cooking even ... Going to try the flower nails at the weekend ... Thank you for your help xxx

 

 

The topsy turvy pans are very deep.  Dont' fill the pans too much. That slows the cooking time and may be the problem.   Use regular round layers of cake of the same diameter or smaller to stack under the topsy turvy layer to get the height you need.  In the photo, each tier was 4 layers of cake.  The largest tier was a 12" topsy turvy pan.  The 2 regular round layers below the top were the same diameter as the pan (ie. 12") and the bottom layer was smaller (ie 10").  After stacking and filling, the sides are carved inward to get the desired shape.  The smaller bottom layer can be the guide as to how much to carve inward, and is also a guide to keeping the base round.  

 

If the top still sinks, it's OK as long as it's cooked.  Just level the top (which will be the bottom when inverted) before assembling. HTH

 

I've never tried this method, nor have I ever heard of it. (though i am a newbie) I am excited as all get out!!! Thanks guys!!

 

I've never heard the Coke trick, but you can remove rust from metal (flower nail, bicycle spokes) by rubbing with crumpled aluminum foil.