How do I begin making cakes!

I have only recently been making cakes and decorating them. Youtube and cakecentral have been my guides through the whole process. Honestly, there is almost a video for every part of cake making that you can think of, and recipes all over the net. The best part is that you can pick and choose the ones that you like :-)

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Originally Posted by vangabkalray 

I want to begin making my own cakes and whipped cream but have no recipes what's so ever and don't know what tools to use,please help

If you are just starting out, I think its really important to start simple, having everything in readiness before you begin, and do NOT change anything about the recipe you will be using. DO use a recipe from a trusted, tested source. Here in Australia we have the Australian Women's Weekly, which brings out multitudes of books, including cakes, cookies, slices etc. They triple test every recipe, and use common, easy to find fresh ingredients in their recipes. Maybe there is something similar where you live?

I think its also a great idea once you have tried a few basic recipes, to watch DVDs by some great cooks, who do things from a very basic level. I remember a woman by the name of Delia Smith (from the UK) putting out a series for very basic baking and cooking skills, which would be awesome if you've never done anything like this before. 

Another idea is to research and buy some very basic cake baking recipe and technique books. You can also (depending where you live) do Pastry Arts, or Pastry courses at your local technical college or adult learning centre - these are usually 6 to 12 months and will give you a fine basis in all the mysteries of baking. There is no need to be a chef to do these courses. Baking is a science, so you need to know WHY you are doing what you doing when you add one ingredient to another.

The last (but not least) important aspect of baking is the issue of Food Safety, so getting information about how to correctly prepare and store ingredients and baked goods is essential. Look to your local Food Safety authority for help in this area :-)

I hope this helps a bit!

By the way, you may be able to access the Aust. Women's Weekly online, wher eyou canlook at bunches of good recipes for free. Another great site here is Taste.com.au. Just search for basic cakes to begin, like chocoalte cake, basic vanilla cake.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evoir 

By the way, you may be able to access the Aust. Women's Weekly online, wher eyou canlook at bunches of good recipes for free. Another great site here is Taste.com.au. Just search for basic cakes to begin, like chocoalte cake, basic vanilla cake.

I used taste.com.au, and bestrecipes.com.au - both are very good resources. I would love to do the courses that you speak of, but they are either too expensive or not available at TAFE. I use youtube and websites because of this, but if given the option I would certainly do a pastry course - no question.