This may seem like a dumb question but how do you use a cake core? I ordered one from this site and I'm not sure which direction you put it in, how long you keep it in, or if you take it out, does it leave a big hole in the cake? I feel silly 
but I have no idea what to do with this little silver thing. Thank you! 
Here is what i found.. The instructions are for the picture below..
The secret to fast, efficient, and professional baking results for larger cakes, our Heating Core
will not only substantially reduce your baking times, it also will allow your cakes to rise evenly too.
Place the core (opening side up) in the pan, grease and flour or spray inside and out, fill with batter
like the rest of the pan, bake as usual. When finished baking, pop the cake in the core out, plug the
hole and decorate. The cake will naturally seal together for ease of decorat ing when cooled.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for the answer I too had the same question about how to use it.
One more question, someone once told me you can use a flower nail as a heating core? Is this true and if so how do you use it.
Yes, you are able to use the flower nail, in lieu of the heating core. You simply turn the flower nail to where the flat side is on the bottom of the cake pan, and place in the middle. I would suggest placing the nail in the bottom of the cake pan, and then use a piece of parchment paper -cut to size- and push the nail part through, and then pour the batter on top of the parchment paper -this should make removing the nail easier as it won't get "absorbed" into the batter.
I had always used the cake core until I join CC, then I read on one of the post about using a flower nail. Well I tried the flower nail this past week and I loved it. You don't have to worry about taking the piece of cake out of the corer and plugging up the hole. Just grease the nail and put the flat side down in the pan. When you release your cake from the pan, just pull the nail out.
For me I love using the flower nail.
I had bought a heating core, too, but ended up taking it back before I used it. I read (on this site) that you could use a flower nail or two and get the same results with a much smaller hole. I use one in all my pans 10" and bigger.
I just put Cake Release on the nail - top and bottom of the "head" and the nail part - and put it flat side down in the middle of the pan on top of the parchment. Pour my batter in and put it in the oven. Works fantastic! I've never had any trouble getting the nail out of the cake.
Good luck!
PERFECT! I am so glad I asked.
LOVE you all for being so helpful!
That is awsome I will try the flower nail on my next cake.
thanks
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