Can anyone please give hints on how to stop sugar paste from cracking whilst shaping. I'm using ready made sugar paste, and I find sometimes it cracks and sometimes it doesn't. Are some brands better than others? Thank you in anticipation...

I'm also looking for any hints or suggestions for a retirement cake for a lady. I've seen a few ideas for men but have so far been unable to find any really novel idea's.
Thanks again.

Hi Pluckycooker, Paul young here and I run my own celebration cake business and use sugar paste alot. The keyto stop if cracking is to knead it well before use and not to use too much icing sugar when rolling or shaping it.
It cracks when it begins to dry so always keep it well covered and work quickly.

All should be a success if followed as above.

I can give you many ideas if needed, Wha was your friends career? A themed cake is a great way creating something really individual.

love

Pastry Paul Young

Hi pluckycooker , ask your friend what her favourite hobby is or her most addored item is, Then surprise her with her own designer cake with the object on top made out of sugar paste. My husband used to be a formula One driver and I had a racing car made out of icing to go on top of the top teir of our wedding cake, It was different and truly fantastic .

Hi Paul,

I am going to try and make a retirement cake for my husband and would be gratelful for any ideas. His hobbies are golf and poker!! I would like something that isn't going to take me a month to decorate but must definitely have a 'wow' factor. Any help greatly appreciated.

A good point to start with when using sugar paste
please use sieved icing sugar rather than cornflour when rolling it out (cornflour dries the sugarpaste out)
pettinice is very good