My Very first attempt, for my Cousin's Joanne's wedding

by Sam Collier
(Macclesfield (England))

The bottom Tier of this ribbon and rose cake was fruit with a bit of a kick....ok a lot of a kick using Rum and Brandy, and the middle and top where mediera. Marzipan and then roll out fondent for the bottom and butter cream and strawberry jam and roll out fondent for the middle and top. Each tier had four plastic dowling rods through to support the next, and they were left with a 1.5 inch gap so that the fresh roses and foliage could be arranged between. I also pressed a saucer to make a slight circular indentation mark on the top layer so that I could stick gold coloured sugar balls as a border for the top posie of roses. I Bought supermarket roses rather than florist as they were quite costly to just chop the heads off, Top tip - Chop heads off roses day before arranging and keep in plastic containers stem end down in a little water and store in the refrigerator. Doing this allows tight flowers to open giving a larger head(However remember to drain on Kitchen roll in plenty of time so as to not moisten the top of the sugar paste when you arrange). Then I just covered the board, denting with a dowling rod and arranging the Sugar balls in the indentations like the top tier and finished with gold fine lace ribbon double backed to intensify the colour, which was pinned to the cake with an identical row of pearl topped pins running in line perfectly down the back of the cake. I was very nervous about making the cake as I had never attempted anything like it before, and only usually make novelty cakes or Childrens Birthday cakes. I have only been doing it for two years after being inspired by my friend who makes excellent cakes. Many a sleepless night was had leading up to the wedding and a pretty scary 1.5 hour motorway journey to deliver, but I was pleased with the result and glad it was over. However now my sister wants one for her wedding in June 09 and also my friend wants me to do her Baby girls Christening Cake this November! Less sleep for me again!