nowadays that will suit just about any occasion.
There are generally two types of materials: paper
and foil. While there are many more beautiful
designs in paper, I prefer to use foil cupcake
cases because they tend to be a lot stronger, help
preserve the cupcake for longer and look more
attractive once the cakes have been baked. Sadly,
unless the paper cases are quite dark or made
with good-quality paper, they tend to become dull
and transparent in time.
classic
romance
secret admirer
These rather indulgent chocolate cupcakes instantly evoke the romance and
mystery of a glamorous masked ball. With their golden swirled masks, delicate
red roses and sumptuous chocolate ganache topping, they are guaranteed to
delight and impress. The luxurious mask is simply cut from caramel-coloured
flower paste, using the secret admirer template. Brown cupcake cases with gold metallic detail complement the colour scheme and bring a touch of style to the cakes. These masked beauties are the perfect way to reveal your identity to that special somebody you’ve been admiring from afar.
To add detail to the mask,
tassels are carefully cut
from the flower paste and
decorations are added using
piped royal icing. The masks
are dusted with gold lustre for
a sparkling finishing touch.
you will need
1 Roll out the caramel-coloured
flower paste until it is 2–3mm
(1/16–⅛in) thick. Using the template
as a guide, cut out the masks
with a sharp knife. Brush with
gold edible lustre dust using a
dusting brush and set aside to dry
over some kitchen paper (paper
towels) arranged in the shape of
the mask. Set aside to harden.
2 Spread the ganache on to the
cupcakes using a small palette knife,
creating a slight dome in the centre
of each.
3 Place a no. 1 tube (tip) in the small
piping (pastry) bag and fill with
caramel-coloured royal icing. Pipe
the detail on to the masks.
You could easily replace
the rich ganache with
chocolate buttercream
if you prefer.
4 When the piping is dry, paint over the detail
with gold edible lustre dust mixed with clear
alcohol. Place the mask on the ganache topping.
5 Thinly roll out some more caramel-coloured
flower paste, dust it with gold edible lustre dust
and cut very thin strips for the tassels on either
side of the mask. Stick them carefully in place
with some edible glue.
6 Finish by making a couple of small red rolled
roses with two extra petals for each cupcake and
some single red petals for scattering, following
the instructions on p. 112. Arrange them around
the mask as desired.
As an alternative to the
mask design, or to mix in
with the mask cupcakes,
decorate with just three
red roses
The red rolled roses give the
cupcakes a traditional romantic
feel. See rolled roses to make.
back to basics flower paste … ganache … royal icing … roses …
classic romance
Beautiful red roses are a classic symbol of love and romance. These simple yet
elegant cupcakes are the perfect way to give your heart to that special someone.
For an unusual twist, why not vary the colour of the rose to a deep purple or blue?