How to Plan a Wedding Cake Tasting
- 1). Research, prepare and make an appointment. Check with newly married couples for bakeries they used, and ask if they were pleased with the service. Ask what they did or did not like about a particular bakery or pastry chef. Narrow the choice down to three bakeries. Call and make an appointment to meet with the pastry chef. Make any special requests for cake tasting when you make an appointment. Gather pictures and drawings of wedding cake designs you like. Know the wedding cake budget and number of guests invited.
- 2). Have food in your stomach before tasting. Hunger may sway your opinion more than taste. Begin with the lighter, fluffier cakes such as sponge cake and end with heavy, denser cakes such as a chocolate layer cake. The pastry chef can recommend an order to taste the cakes that will please your palate. Taste cakes, frostings, fillings and embellishments separately. This enables you to taste the true flavor of each material.
- 3). Notice the differences. Take note if the cakes are moist or dry, light and fluffy or dense and heavy. When tasting the fillings and frostings, note if they taste sugary, buttery or fruity. Take the frosting's appearance into account,and note if it is smooth and creamy or lumpy. Ask if the fillings are made from fresh fruits and inquire about other ingredients.
- 4). Try a few combinations. If you like two particular flavors, try tasting them together. Ask the pastry chef how she feels about the combination and for any recommendations on combinations. Think about which flavors will appeal to the majority of guests. Ask the pastry chef if different flavor combinations are possible on the various tiers.
- 5). Cleanse your palate. Take a sip of water between flavors to cleanse the palate. Cleansing the palate ensures you to taste the true flavors of a cake or frosting.
- 6). Take it slow and ask questions. Savor each bite of cake, frosting and filling; truly taste the flavors and textures presented. Ask questions and take notes of flavors or combinations you liked. Ask if the pastry chef can create a custom wedding cake and if so, does he charge extra. Inquire about extra costs for fillings or details. Ask to view the pastry chef's portfolio.
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