I have been using this recipe for my buttercream
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2075-Crusting-Buttercream-Icing-VIVA-Method.html
The problem .....
I let is sit for 15 min or so....touch to make sure it is ready to smooth. i have been using wax paper to smooth because I keep forgetting the darn VIVA towels at the store! So it seems to be working ok to start with then it starts to stick a bit to the wax paper. Almost like it is getting to warm from the work? Greasy?
I have treid to leave it for awhile after that happens but when I go back to it it continues.
I am frustrated because the first few times I used this recipe I got beautiful results!
I know I am doing something wrong or missing something......
Thanks!
I too have had trouble when I use wax paper. I think the heat from your hands may transfer through the paper causing the icing to "melt" just enough to stick to the paper. I find that the paper towel method works best for me. I have also had good results with parchment paper but it is a bit harder to work with because it is not as flexible as paper towels. I have used any brand of paper towel....just depends on what texture you want on the cake. Good luck!
I first start with the Melvira method then go over it with a Viva paper towel and a fondant smoother. I could NOT live with our my Viva paper towel and fondant smoother!!!
I did the Viva method for the first time last night and I am SOLD!!! I loved it. I have struggled forever to get smooth BC, I don't think I'll ever go back to "Well that's the smoothest I can get".
The Vivas are $2.50 here where I live, so as long as I can get DH to not use them they should last me awhile.
i would definately give the viva towel and fondant smoother method a go...i love it! i use sugar shack's buttercream recipe and love it...that along with this method for smoothing is the best. give it a go you won't regret it. i must admit when i get lazy i just use my roller (melvira method), but mostly the viva and smoother.
chris
I find that if my icing is a bit too stiff it will start lifting off the cake when I am smoothing. Maybe you just need to add a teeny tiny bit more liquid to it. Humidity varies so the same recipe may come out differently depending what kind of day it is.
You might try making your icing a bit stiffer than what you are using. It makes a big difference. You should watch tonedna's videos on you tube. She has one where she makes her buttercream and another showing how to ice the cakes. I was making my buttercream too soft and had to let the cake sit for a while before using the paper towels. Now that I leave it a little stiffer, then I can use the paper towel right away. I was surprised at that. HTH
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