Go Lions! (My First Practice Cake)

Last Monday, I started a cake decorating class (which is on my 30 Before 30 list). We were given instructions to practice as much as we could making rosettes with the star tip. I was under the weather for most of the week and didn't feel like doing much of anything, so yesterday when I finally felt really well, I decided to make a practice cake and decorate it. I called my brother and asked him what image he thought I should use. He said a lion because the boys' team at my high school alma mater was playing for the state basketball championship (they lost but they were playing an Oklahoma City team...we are a tiny, rural place). I went for a very simple, very cartoon version of a lion since I had never decorated anything using a star tip. I thought it looked pretty decent considering it was my first time and all.

As for the cake decorating class, the first class was basically just getting organized, so I am waiting to see. I did learn one trick of the trade, though. To get a smooth icing surface, lay Viva paper towels (or parchment paper) on icing after icing has crusted (i.e., it's not sticky anymore) and smooth it down using your fingers or a flat surface. The teacher of my class used a fondant smoother and, since they were like 3 bucks at Wal-Mart, I followed suit. I am looking forward to getting good at this technique and having super-smooth icing surfaces.

That's all I got. Hope the time change wasn't too rough on you!