First let me be the first to admit, I have a problem with books, not necessarily a bad problem unless you ask my husband.
So I was way too excited when I heard that Planet Cake had published a book. I looked and looked for a place to get it (and not have it take 18 years to get to me)
I finally found the book at The Book Depository they show your purchase price in US dollars and they offer free, yes FREE shipping, worldwide..(it only took a week) another place is Amazon also does worldwide shipping..
ok, ok, now to the book.
My first impression when I received the book was to swoon. It's high quality, in my opinion, from the point of view of a paperback..
The first section is called "How to use this book" I really appreciate this section because it gives insight into what Paris was thinking when she laid out this book. quite a few decorator's books are laid out according to their mindset and we set out to learn something, but find out it's only a photo album of their work (not that I have a problem with that either, it's just that sometimes I want to ogle and drool and sometimes I want to learn something)
The next section is called "Essential planning and preparation." It gives a timeline to plan and prep the designs. This is important because sometimes we procrastinate! Well, we still may procrastinate but at least we know what time frame things should happen! Following this section are photos and descriptions of items used in the book to decorate and common terms.
Paris gives recipes for cakes that are suitable for the designs in the book. As with all books, the recipes should be tested to see if you like them.
There is a general technique section that applies to every project in the book. This is great because it explains all the techniques that are used one time, in the beginning so space isn't wasted with every project.
There are various sections: cupcakes, round cakes, shaped cakes and 3d cakes, presented in that order. This may be a natural progression because the projects are harder as they go along.
The information for each project is thorough, and photos and drawings are presented to help the reader in completing the project. The language and the descriptions make it seem that anyone is capable of completing these projects.I love this book, even if it is just to look and wish. My only complaint is that I would love to see a section on topsy turvy (whimsical/wonky, whatever you want to call them) because they are quite famous for those (and the ganache technique that IS taught in the book).
Run (don't walk) to book depository, or amazon.co.uk and get this book!
