Best New Author? Danielle Gotheridge

Recently in London, I attended the event “Cake International 2014” to find inspiration for some new ideas. Admittedly, I began my search with a skeptical outlook, not expecting to find anything out of the ordinary. I was soon proven wrong when I came to a “Meet The Author” stand, where stood a truly inspiring new author.

Danielle’s book (entitled All You Need Is Cake) is a must-see for any aspiring decorator of any experience level. The book runs by the philosophy that “no tools are needed for any of [the] techniques, so everything is made with your hands, or objects found around the kitchen.” The crowds surrounding the table, myself included, were in awe at the incredible detail and design of these edible masterpieces, and at the sheer simplicity of her methods.

Here, she informed us that her “book[s] [are] a physical representation of [the] courses taught back in [her] shop in Nottingham”, and that they are very popular with the clients on her courses, as they include step by step guides on all of her courses and signature techniques, along with how to design cakes, and many other features. I found this truly stunning; never before had I come across a book like this before.

However, like any other skeptic, I wanted to see proof that these techniques were really going to work. It was to my luck that Danielle herself was to be demonstrating her decorating style in the demo area later that day. Myself and many others sat to watch in utter amazement as we saw her theory play in to action. No one could believe how straight forward it really was. Her demonstrations drew in the audience, and everyone walking by.

Danielle’s book proved to be increasingly popular at Cake International at ExCel, London, and the unique designs make her shop a beautiful attraction in her shop in the Bohemian area of Nottingham, known as Hockley. Even leading it to become one of Nottingham’s own tourist attractions, grabbing the attention of both public and celebrities. She has made cakes for people such as Pauline Quirk, Justin Bieber and many more.

Finally, for anyone wanting a break from the generic ‘how to use a cutter to make an icing lion’ cake book, I would strongly reccomend “All You Need Is Cake”. I garuntee you a pleasant surprise, and the zero cost of tools and equipment is just an added bonus. Danielle also touches on points such as how best to start a cake decorating business, and her steps are simple enough to be followed by anyone, and still create extravagant edible artworks.