Lyn From Redondo Beach Writes:
Doc:
I decorated a wedding cake back in September but cannot get the bride or caterer (whom I left in charge) to return my plates and pillars. I've e-mailed them several times with no results. What would you suggest at this point? It has now been two months.
Dear Lyn, Unfortunately there is not much you can do now but to keep on contacting them. In the future, always request a deposit up front for the cost of the plates and the pillars. (Replacement cost.) When they return all the parts in good shape, you can then return their deposit. If there are missing parts, you subtract them from the deposit. They should also return them clean and in good condition. Donna from Dallas TX writes:
Doc: Roses on my cakes sometimes fade. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
Dear Donna, Colors darken if allowed to sit for several hours (preferably overnight). Colors will fade if exposed to sunlight, fluorescent lighting, heat or refrigeration. Some colors fade faster than others. Judy from Seattle WA writes:
Doc: My red color tastes awful. Is there anything I can add something to eliminate this taste?
Dear Judy, I suggest you try using AmeriColor's Super Red Gel colors. They have almost no after-taste. Also, their Super Black Gel colors give you a true black appearance. Ray from Chula Vista, CA writes:
Doc: Whey I fill a pastry bag, I get icing all over the place. Is there a better way?
Dear Ray, A good idea for refilling decorating bags is to use an empty Pringle's potato chip can. Drop the bag into the can, draping the top of the bag over the rim of the can. It will keep it open for you while you refill. It keeps the mess to a minimum. Yolanda from Topeka KS writes:
Doc: What is the best way to deliver cakes?
Dear Yolanda, When delivering a wedding or any other type of cake; place it on foam to absorb the bumps from the road. No fast starts and stops. Take it easy over railway crossing tracks. Never put a cake on the front or back seat. A quick stop will launch it off the seat. If you don’t have a delivery van, the best place to put a cake is in the trunk. Make sure the trunk is clean and free of junk.
Ask the "Doc" at: althecakedoctor@ca.rr.com |