By : chef ssentongo Geoffrey

From : Mr Easy Recipes

How to bake a wedding cake, recipe and decorations

Baking a wedding cake is a significant undertaking, but with a clear recipe and decoration guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious cake for the special day.

Recipe: Classic Vanilla Wedding Cake
Ingredients:
For the cake:

• 3 cups (375g) cake flour
• 2 1/4 cups (285g) granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (235ml) whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the buttercream:

• 2 cups (400g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (400g) powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour six 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans.
2. Make the cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
3. Divide and bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Make the buttercream: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add milk as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of buttercream on top. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, creating a stacked cake.

Decoration Ideas:

1. Classic Buttercream: Frost the outside of the cake with a thin layer of buttercream. Use a piping bag and tip to create decorative borders and flowers.
2. Fresh Flowers: Arrange fresh flowers, such as roses or peonies, on top of the cake in a decorative pattern.
3. Sugar Flowers: Create sugar flowers in various colors and arrange them on top of the cake.
4. Piping Designs: Use a piping bag and tip to create intricate designs, such as scrollwork or lace patterns, on the outside of the cake.
5. Cake Toppers: Use a decorative cake topper, such as a bride and groom or a floral arrangement, to add a personal touch to the cake.

Tips and Variations:

1. Use a cake turntable: Display the cake on a cake turntable to make it easier to decorate and serve.
2. Add flavorings: Add different flavorings, such as almond or coconut extract, to the cake and buttercream for a unique taste.
3. Use different types of milk: Use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to create a non-dairy version of the cake.
4. Add a drizzle: Drizzle a flavored glaze, such as caramel or chocolate, over the top of the cake for added flavor and visual appeal.

By following this recipe and decoration guide, you’ll be able to create a stunning and delicious wedding cake that will impress your guests and make the special day even more unforgettable.

Pumpkin Alfredo With Chicken Recipe Step-by-Step Guide

A delicious and seasonal Pumpkin Alfredo with Chicken recipe! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this comforting dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup fettuccine noodles
• Fresh parsley or sage leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Fettuccine Noodles (8-10 minutes)

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil.
2. Cook fettuccine noodles: Add fettuccine noodles to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water: Before draining the noodles, reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Cook Chicken and Onion (5-6 minutes)

1. Melt butter in a skillet: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook chicken: Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add onion and cook: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Make Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce (10-12 minutes)

1. Add garlic and cook: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Add pumpkin puree and heavy cream: Add pumpkin puree and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat and let simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and sage: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and dried sage until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Cooked Fettuccine and Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce (2-3 minutes)

1. Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet: Add cooked fettuccine noodles to the skillet with the pumpkin Alfredo sauce.
2. Toss to combine: Toss the noodles in the sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
3. Combine with cooked chicken: Combine the noodle mixture with cooked chicken and toss to combine.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve hot: Serve the Pumpkin Alfredo with Chicken hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or sage leaves, if desired.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious and comforting Pumpkin Alfredo with Chicken!

Tips and Variations:

• Use leftover roasted pumpkin or butternut squash puree for added depth of flavor.
• Add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Fontina, for a unique flavor profile.

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