Cakes

There is hardly anyone who would refuse a piece of cake. Cake is always welcome, whether at tea, or, depending on the cake, at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or in between. Cakes, of course, are also associated with life’s milestones. Birthdays, christenings, graduations, confirmations, bar (and bas) mitzvahs, engagements, showers (wedding and baby), weddings, and anniversaries, as well as most holidays throughout the year, are celebrated with special cakes. Cakes need not be difficult or complicated to prepare, but when an extra-special cake is required to mark an extra-special occasion, its elaborateness often matches the event’s importance. Such special-occasion cakes may be composed of cake layers, a flavoring and moistening syrup, filling(s), frosting or icing, and decorations. To attempt to make a cake of this complexity from start to finish all in one day is crazy. For the sake of your sanity, it is best to do as professional bakers do: allow several days for the preparation of all the component parts and only assemble the cake on the day it is to be served. Some cakes taste better if they are assembled the day before, though any elaborate finishing or decoration should be done on the day the cake will be served to avoid accidents that may invariably occur.