The official newsletter

Volume 30 | Number 6

November | December 2014

Cover Photo -

Nancy Casuscelli

vcdsblog.wordpress.com/ victoriancakedecoratingsocietyvictoriancakesociety@gmail.com

N E W S

sugar art

State Commitee of ManagementPresidentAdel Tjio victoriancakesociety@gmail.com

Secretary (Public Officer Only)Jan Murphy victoriancakesociety@gmail.com

TreasurerJacquie Pascoe victoriancakesociety@gmail.com

Minute Secretary Vacant victoriancakesociety@gmail.comCommitte Membersup to 4 from each branch victoriancakesociety@gmail.com

Membership SecretaryAdrien Trevillian atrevill@bigpond.net.au

EditorNancy Casuscelli vcdseditor@gmail.com

National Liason TBC

National Constitution Adrien Trevillian

Australian Sugarcraft RepresentativeLorell Benier ljbenier@bigpond.com

State Web Site ManagerNancy Casuscelli & Justine Spalding vcdseditor@gmail.com

Disclaimer The Victorian Cake Decorating Society Inc. in no way endorses any products, services or techniques mentioned in this newsletter. The issues raised in this newsletter are not the opinion of the Society or the Editor but are from multiple sources. All contributions are made in good faith by various sources. Material may not be reproduced without prior approval and some notes may be copyright.

REPORTS, ARTICLES AND PHOTOS FOR THE NEXT SUGAR ART NEWS ARE DUE BY

15th January 2014 (JAN/FEB)

FORWARD ALL ARTICLES AND PHOTOS TOvcdseditor@gmail.com

Our Victorian Branches

CaseyOld Cheese Factory34 Homestead Rd, BerwickLyn - 03 9705 7837lmrattle@bigpond.net.auwww.vcdscaseybranch.blogspot.com

EasternSt Judes Parish Community Centre49 George St, ScoresbyErin - 0423 587 390easternvcdspresident@gmail.comwww.easternvcds.wordpress.com

NorthernWatsonia Library4 Ibbotson St, WatsoniaIrene - 0417 124 391toniw@tpg.com.auwww.northerncakedecorators.websyte.com.au

Town & CountryMulgrave Community Centre355 Wellington Rd, MulgraveTravelling Branch - venues to be advisedAdel - 0412 062 576tccakedeco@gmail.comwww.townandcountrycakedeco.org.au

WesternCairnlea Community Centre80 Carmody CentreCheryl - 0431 058 526wbvcds@gmail.comwww.vcdswesternbranch.wordpress.com

Message from the President AdelVCDS President

Here we are, suddenly a few weeks away from 2015. No doubt everyone have enjoyed the myriad of sugar art activities on offer this year, from all branch workshops, demonstrations to the Royal Show. It has been a produc-tive year indeed.

We also welcomed a new State Committee of Management. A BIG thank you to Jacquie Pascoe, Jus-tine Spalding, Adrien Trevillian, Nancy Casuscelli, Marian Jones and Jan Murphy for stepping up and taking on the roles. However, it is a very short list of people. The com-mittee is still in need of a secretary, 4 committee mem-bers and national liason officer.The committee meets 6 times a year, usually in the evening in a central location to discuss matters pertain-ing to VCDS. If you have been a member of VCDS for many years, or are new to VCDS, this is a good opportu-nity to learn what goes on behind the scenes of all the good work the branches put forth. We need you. Every member has something valuable to contribute, no matter how small. Do feel free to contact me for further informa-tion if you are considering doing so. You will be assured that the task is not very difficult!

As the year draws to a close, I reflect upon why we have the Victorian Cake Decorating Society. VCDS was formed in November 1990, with the main aim of promoting “cake decorating” to all Victorians. 2015 will mark VCDS’s 25th anniversary of formation. We have come a LONG way since. Membership has grown tremendously. We have members of various ages, from all over Victoria. New members as well as those who have been members for 25 years and even one who achieved “Life Member” for the first time in the history of VCDS. That illustrates how successful VCDS has been in achieving its aim. Sure, you can learn something on You-tube or on a blog, but nothing beats turning up at a workshop in like-minded company, over a cup of tea and learning something new, something astounding that you have not even thought of!

The growth of VCDS however is not without its challenges, for example, the twin challenge of: technology and time. The former is answered above, nothing can take place the actual joining and being active in a society. The latter is more difficult—how does VCDS compete with the time poor? There is no simple answer—except make time!! You owe it to yourself and the art form that you practice to keep the society going. VCDS is completely non-profit and have been run by volunteers. Unfortunately, whilst everyone love to attend workshops and demonstrations, the planning and execution is left to a few. It is with sad note to announced that as of December, Western branch will be folding. Perhaps it is a timely reminder that YOU make VCDS what it is, so be present and be counted. Volunteer!!! Ever more so now that VCDS has committed to host the National Seminar in 2017. Come on, Victoria!

Using a straw, using instant noodles, using a knife.It is mind blowing what you take away with you every time you attend a workshop. Think of all the good times you have had and the friends who have grown with you throughout the years. What more could you want from a society?

Adel

Members OpportunityIf you would like to showcase some of your gorgeous creations in our Members Section please send submissions to the Editor: vcdseditor@gmail.comImages must be clean and sharp!

Irene

Branch Reports Northern

Our last workshop for 2014 was held on November 8th at Watsonia Library.Everyone enjoyed making our cute little Elves. Lots of laughs and every Elf had a personality of their own.

Unfortunately we have had to cancel our December workshop and Christmas Breakup due to the venue being unavailable.

The Library is undergoing extensive renovations and will be closed during December and part of January.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Hap-py New Year.

We look forward to our January workshop in the new updated Library.Please phone (0417 124 391) or email toniw@tpg.com.au for your requirement list and further details.

Upcoming Events 2015Saturday 31 January Saturday 14 MarchSaturday 6 JuneSaturday 4 JulySaturday 5 SeptemberSaturday 7 NovemberSaturday 12 December

Branch ReportsCasey

Belinda

Casey’s last workshop was with Lyn Burch who showed our branch how to make the Moth Orchid. Thank you for coming down Lyn as always we had a great time with you. Here is some of the work made on the day

Casey are in need of some extra helpers to organise the workshops for 2015, we would love some new blood in our committee but even if you feel you can’t commit to joining the committee we would love to hear your ideas and what you

Would like to learn in 2015 by calling Belinda on 0417312376 or emailing bdalglei@casey.vic.gov.au Don’t be shy without your input we won’t know what to arrange!!Our 2015 workshop dates are –

Feb 21st; April 18th; June 20th; August 15th &

October 17th – 10th Birthday celebrations

I would also like to mention after many years in Narre Warren South, our president Lyn and her wonderful Husband Barry have moved to Cranbourne East. So if you are down that way give her a call I’m sure she would love to show you her new pad.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday period, I look forward to seeing you all in the new year!

Branch ReportsWestern

Cheryl

In November the wonderful Adrien Trevillian attended to teach us how to model zebra’s, giraffes, elephants and mon-keys! Heaps of fun was had by everyone and Adrien did a wonderful job of teaching. She made it look so easy. August saw our AGM occur where all positions where declared vacant, sadly it is with a heavy heart that we were unable to form a Committee hence the Western Branch will have their last workshop on December 14th including a

Christmas luncheon. We wish to extend a huge thanks to Liana Tucker, Tu Pham, Shanice Laurent, Mary Ulisse Borg, Leicia Rogers, and Kate Bullock who have all served on Committee over the last 2 years. To our demonstrators Kay Douglas, Grace Scodella, Rouvelee, Helen Katansis, and Anita Blume who have supported us over the last 2 years we thank you! Whilst it is sad that we are closing we have had the opportunities to form some wonderful lifelong friendships and to learn some wonderful skills. Current Western Branch members will be required to email the membership Secretary Adrien Trevillian (atrevill@bigpond.net.au) nominating which Branch they would like to transfer to.

Thank-you once again for all of your support. We've had a wonderful time teaching and learning with you and we hope you stay in touch.

Eastern

Justine

Summer, when everything sweet goes quiet. With only 8 weeks till Christmas it's time to turn our ovens on and get that Christmas baking done; before it's hotter than hell in Melbourne and we all take January (and most of February off).

To whet your appetite for next year I thought I'd give you a tast-er as to what we've been lining up over the last few months. We have some great people who have agreed to come to Eastern and share their knowledge; it's looking like an exciting year ahead.

So what can you look forward to learning over the coming year?

Christmas is high tea in the city. We thought it would be lovely to play ladies for an afternoon so are heading into the city for a little bit of indulgence. Tickets are now on sale, email us easternvcds@gmail.com for more information. It's open to everyone so if you'd like to attend with some friends who aren't members don't hesitate to grab them some tickets as well!

2015 starts with the fabulous Stella Abraham teaching us how to make an orchid! It's going to be a very special flower class. More information to come in the new year.

Now for a little buzzword bingo. We have up our sleeves, choc-olate, geometrics, armatures (yes armatures, amazing!) dessert buffets, cupcake wars, figurine modelling the uber talented Sug-annana, cake photography, special interstate guest and that's just for the first 6 months of the year!! I told you, we'd been busy!

Wishing you all a very happy holiday, full of good food, cheer and time with friends and family. We're looking forward to seeing you at High Tea in November the last time to sit and relax before the festivities kick into high gear!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Eastern's committee.

Gil, Jenna, Justine, Melissa, Mia and Susan

Jan

Branch ReportsTown & Country

We have just had two absolutely great workshops, the first being our AGM with a workshop and the second our Buy Swap and Sell Day (BSS), and coming off the back of the Australian National Cake Decorating Association’s (our National Body) meeting in July on the future of the ANCDA, who now leads with “The leading authority on cake decorating and sugar art in Australia” – I declare us “The leading authority in fellowship and friendship – the icing on the cake”!!!!!

The AGM saw a new committee elected and I would like to congratulate the following:

President – Jan Murphy Secretary – Leonie AdamsTreasurer – Adel Tjio Committee – Michelle Williams, Diana de Silva, Helen Crawley, Adrien Trevillian.

A very big welcome aboard ladies – we will be meet-ing in mid November to work out our program for 2015 following several recommendations we have had from members and for those who attended the BSS probably wont include a workshop on chicken liver pate, but the recipe is readily available, contact me!

Following the AGM, hands on workshop was held on a golden magnolia (see photo this issue), with a num-ber of new techniques including wiring a curled petal. Hope you all enjoyed.

Well, what can I say about our BSS day, one member took home close to $500 and another $160, and then one only took home $10, because she brought more than she sold, such was the day. Over 40 people came through the door and some stayed the whole afternoon, continually buying and the “fire-sale” at the end was great fun, with a number of table holders not wanting to pack up and take anything home, so out it all went.

Everyone wanted us to do again, as did a number of people who could not make it on the day and would have liked to have a table. So watch our program for next year to book in early.

The afternoon also saw two of our members demonstrate mold making and I know a number of people took home a lot of great ideas.

Our two final workshop for the year are on Sunday 16th November – Christ-mas Bauble (watch for your invite) and our Christmas Breakfast for our members on Sunday 7th November.

* Butterfles and Roses planned for the first two workshops in 2015- time to get excited.

Golden Magnolia from T&C Group workshop September 2014

Dates, times and cost will be confirmed during the year.

8 Feb - 1pm-4pm - Butterfly 12 Apr - 11am-4pm - Dual Rose Workshop 14 Jun - 1pm-4pm - Royal Icing - from the beginning 16 Aug - 1pm-4pm - TBC ? Gold and Silver Leaf 6 Sep - 1pm-4pm - Air Brushing 18 Oct - 12noon-4pm - AGM, Demonstration, and back by popular demand - Buy,Swap and Sell29 Nov - Christmas Cake in a Day - Christmas Lunch (all day)

Which Branch do you belong to?

I belong to the Eastern Branch. When did you start cake decorating?

I started baking in back over 12 years ago learning buttercream and doing some basic short classes at Susie Q. I then stopped and picked it back up after my first child was born for family and friends. Its now been 6 years! What got you interested in cake decorating?

I have also dabbled in creative projects, be it ceramics, scrapbooking, sewing you name it Ive tried it...but then the dabble of cakes got me hooked and I havent let it go... let it go...let it gooo! sorry!

What do you love most about cake decorating?

I find it therapeutic and ‘my time’ . I love the feeling of creating someone ‘special occasion’

What do you love least about cake decorating?

Humidity!

Member Profile - Nancy CasuscelliCardique Cake Artistry

Pram Sugar Modelling by Rouvelee Creations

Nancy CasuscelliCardique Cake Artistryfacebook.com/cardiquecakeartistry

Cardique also specialises in Edible Image Printing and Die Cutting Service

Who is your cake idol and why?

Hmm where do I start - I have may local artists Swet Tiers, Rouvelee, Blissfully Sweet and then international McGreevy Cakes, Avalon Cakes, Petalsweet Cakes and too many to keep going! If you could give fellow decorators one tip what would it be?

Dont undercut yourself, work hard and stay humble - oops thats 3

If you would like to take more cake classes, what would they be?

More novelty, 3D gravity cakes!

AGM State Meeting 2014Helena from Sweet Tiers demo Watercolour with Wafer Paper Flowers

Casey Workshop

Front Cover Opportunity If you would like to be featured and have one of your gorgeous creations grace our covers please send submissions to the Editor: vcdseditor@gmail.com along with a small Members Profile and good clear - 2-3 professional photos of your best cakes!

Eastern End of Year High Tea

Cake made by Vivien Maylan

National Seminar 2017

We need your experience?

Do you have experience in Event Management, Project Management, Budgets, Event Registration etc?

Victoria is planning to host the National Seminar in 2017 and we need to get the basics in place by the end of this year. We have to do a presentation to the National Executive and the General Meeting of the National Seminar to be held at Jupiter’s Casino, Gold Coast in August 2015. So yep we have a lot of planning to do to make this happen.

This will take a two and half year commitment to bring this event to fruition in 2017.

At the end it is an exhilorating feeling of “yeh, we did it!” and prove to the rest of Australia we have it.

Victoria hosted a National Seminar in 2005 with a committee of 7, and a member registration of about 60. So surely we can do it now we have over 200 members.

We are looking at a committee of 5 that can help keep Victorian Cake Decorating Society as a leading group of cake decorators not only inn Victoria, but in Australia.

If you would like any information on the past Seminar and how things were run then contact Jan Murphy on jgmurfs@bigpond.net.au, or mobile 0416180848, or if you just want to come on board and get start now contact Adel Tjio victoriancakesociety@gmail.com

Victorian Cake Decorating Society Inc

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Source - Geraldine’s Creative Cutters - October 2014 (Canada)

Readers Questions:What is the difference between Marzipan and Almond Paste?Both almond paste and marzipan are sugary pastes that can be used as a foundation in decorative cake baking. However there is a distinct difference in the taste and composure of these two products. In Europe traditionally, the paste was composed of 50% almond nuts, and 50% other gums and sugars. In North America however, they divided the paste into two catego-ries. If it was made from more than 50% nuts, they called it almond paste, and if the delicacy was made from less than that amount, it was called marzipan.

Almond paste is made by grinding almonds into a paste, and adding various filler and gums to create a paste. Price is determined by where the nuts are grown, colour of nuts, amount of skin on the almond, the size of the grind, flavour of the nuts, etc.

Note: Nut paste may NOT contain nut proteins only flavors and some may be made with apricot nuts.

** When purchasing almond/marzipan always look for the number on the package. The first two digits indicate the nut content the last two digits indi-cate the filler content. (Examples: 10/90 - Modeling Paste, 34/66 - Cover-ing paste, 50/50 - Used for baking and cooking.)

Where do almonds come from?

-Almonds grow above ground on trees

-Middle east, Spain, and California (the largest producer of almonds in the world)

-The trees are dormant during winter; in spring the blossoms are white or pink.

-The trees require constant nurturing and irrigation to encourage growth during the summer

Harvesting season begins in August, where almonds are dislodged from the trees by a gentle knocking machine. The fallen nuts are scooped up by machines, and taken to processing where they are prepared for consump-tion. To produce the paste, egg whites and powdered sugar are added to make the paste more pliable and sweet or other fillers can be added to achieve the desired taste and flavour required.

History of Almond paste.

Over many hundreds of years the almond has developed with its relation-ship biologically to the plum, peach and cherry. Many references to it in the bible.

Uses of Almond Paste/ Marzipan.

Almond paste and marzipan can be used as a delicious foundation for all sorts of cakes and baked goods. With the addition of Royal Icing or Sugar-paste, a variety of decorative cakes can be produced which will keep well for long periods of time.

It can be coated in chocolate and eaten.

Used in baking, cookies, biscuits, and biscotti.