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HOW TO WOW THE SWEET TOOTH

July 15, 2007 12:35 am

LONGER SUMMER days may offer the perfect excuse to experiment with the over-the-top cake-decorating techniques of famed New York City baker Elisa Strauss.

"Confetti Cakes" is a gorgeous, full-color book that presents start-to-finish tips for creating cakes that look almost too fabulous to eat.

Strauss' upscale Manhattan bakery boasts clients from Hollywood, big business, and television: the "Today" show has featured her wedding cakes on the "'Today' Throws a Wedding" series, and she's been a frequent guest showcasing amazing confections fashioned like designer purses, wrapped presents and many more.

Strauss introduces the budding baker to the myriad of tools and equipment that may be employed in producing a show-stopper cake; offers a glossary of terms used in the recipes; and spells out step-by-step instructions with photographs for every phase of decorating with fondant, frosting, piping, and intricately detailed flowers and decorations.

It is a how-to book with flair. The glossy, full-color photographs pair with clear directions so that even the novice can produce a dessert that draws a "wow!"

If you or your artistic teen is looking for something to fill a long summer day, or you have a special occasion that calls for fancy or unusual cupcakes, Strauss' book may give you the cutting edge.