Cakes to Dream on: A Master Class in Decorating

Cakes to Dream On reveals the secrets to fashioning gorgeous and utterly distinctive cakes for all occasions - whether it's an opulent marriage reception (the majestic Ivory Wedding Cake) or a fanciful children's party (the whimsical Homage to Dr. Seuss). Colette presents designs for cake architecture ranging from the imperial splendor of Dolce de Medici, to the elegant grace of Bride's Vintage Cameo, to the topsy-turvy daydream of Mad Tea Party.

Colette begins with the foundations: she illuminates step by step the process of constructing a multitiered cake, from determining serving sizes and choosing appropriate cake pans to making fillings, and ultimately stacking layers so they don't tumble off the table. Cakes to Dream On also discloses insider tricks of the trade: Colette's easy-to-follow instructions in techniques such as sugarwork, gumpaste, brush embroidery, and piping will help readers recreate the spectacular effects of this singular confectioner's toolbox.

Bakers - and their enthusiastic audiences - will discover that these sensual masterpieces tantalize the palate as much as they do the eye. Colette's cake recipes include the Coco-Loco Cake, an alluring marriage of coconut and coffee; the Meringue Buttercream and its luscious lemon, raspberry, and mocha variants; and the ambrosial caramel-tinged Heavenly White Cake.

As breathtaking as Colette's cake works appear, her clear explanations of technique are meant to stimulate readers' creative instincts and give them ideas for crafting their own distinctive confections. With more than 150 dazzling full-color photographs illustrating both processes and finished presentations, and more detailed instruction than ever before, Cakes to Dream On will inspire readers to create their own mouthwatering masterpieces. Colette's master class is truly a launchpad for cake lovers' own confectionary visions.

Colette Peters is one of the world-s premier cake designers, with confections that have graced White House Christmas mantelpieces, royal weddings, the windows of Tiffany & Company-s Fagship store in New York City, and the American Craft Museum. The owner of Colette-s Cakes, a specialty cake company in New York, she holds a master-s degree in painting from Pratt Institute in New York. A former designer for Tiffany & Company, she created cakes to illustrate the books Tiffany Taste and The Tiffany Wedding. She is the author of four acclaimed books of her own decorative cakes, including Colette-s Birthday Cakes and Colette-s Christmas. She has been a featured guest on television shows such asToday, Good Morning America, Oprah, and the Food Network-s Chef du Jour.