Sweet beginnings
IDEAS for a perfect wedding cake from Doris Davenport of Sierra Bakery and Party Shop, a family- owned business in Rialto that’s been serving up sweets for 43 years: When to order: Finalize cake plans about month prior to the wedding when the number of guests is known. Some couples order a year ahead; some bakers only need two weeks.
Flavors: Now in vogue: alternating strawberry and cream cheese fillings on white cake. Chocolate and raspberry combinations are a long-time favorite.
Style notes: A filled-layer cake should generally be limited to four tiers. Filled cakes are very heavy and can compress the bottom layer if a cake is too high or not properly supported.
Icing: Seen fondant on those fancy food shows? Taste it before ordering a fondant cake. Butter cream icing can be made almost as smooth as fondant and tastes better.
Flowers: Bakers don’t generally put fresh flowers on the cake, but they will arrange delivery so the florist can put those final petals on.
The anniversary: To save a cake’s top tier for the one-year anniversary celebration, quick freeze the layer, then place it a freezer bag, get as much air out as possible and put it a Tupperware-style container for long-term freezer storage.
Sierra Bakery & Party Shop
456 W. Foothill Blvd., Rialto (909) 874-4150
