-
Make
up all four packets of sponge cake as per the directions
and wait for it to rise in the oven. (this is a good
time to sample the beer, just to make sure it's cold
enough)
-
Place
one of the ready-rolled icing sheets onto the cake board
and roll out to completely cover the board
-
Cut
the cooled sponge cake, which should be approximately
1" thick, into 2 rectangles approximately 10" long and
4" wide, and another 2 rectangles approximately 7" long
and 4" wide. These will make up the basic shape of the
car.
-
If
you want to have chocolate icing layers in the middle
of the cake, make up a batch of chocolate icing (we
didn't, but it would help to hold the cake together.
This is also another good time to check the beer temperature)
-
Stack
the layers of cake together, spreading the chocolate
icing between them as you go if you've made some, with
the two long pieces of cake on the bottom and the two
shorter pieces on top at one end. If you've done a perfect
job of making the sponge cake then you may want to round
off the 'front' end of each set of sponge layers, because
this will be the bonnet and front of the roof. Of course
if you are making a saloon or a van you will have to
adjust the size and shape of the layers of sponge accordingly.
-
Now,
position the sponge cake on the cake board in the required
position, we put it diagonally across the board for
that 'dynamic' look. (Either that or we'd had too many
beers already)
-
Coat
the cake with a thin layer of jam. This helps the icing
stick in place.
-
Roll
out the marzipan into thin strips and begin to build
up the shape of the Minor, adding things like the raised
guards (for a highlight) and filling any holes in the
sponge cake. Think of this as welding up the rust holes
and fitting new guards. Don't eat any of the leftovers
yet, you might need it later for running repairs.
-
When
the car is looking kind of like a real one put it in
the fridge for about an hour to help the marzipan harden
a bit. Have another beer whilst you wait.
-
Now
it's time to add the top coat. Lay the last sheet of
ready-rolled icing over the top of the car and smooth
it down so that it takes the shape and hides the joins
in the marzipan underneath. Cut any excess away with
a sharp knife. Give the knife to the one who's had the
least to drink.
-
Once
you are happy with the shape of your masterpiece, it's
time to start the fun bit, decorating. If you are adventurous
you can use the food colouring to paint it to match
the birthday girl/boy's car, or you can just leave it
as is for that 'Old English White' look.
-
Use
the decorating tubes to draw in the windows and doors
(black), the chromework (silver or yellow), and the
woodwork (brown).
-
Use
the licorice rolls for the wheels and whatever small,
round sweets you have for the head and tail lights.
-
Paint
a road around the car with the black food colouring.
Mix up the desicated coconut and some green food colouring
in a cup to make the grass, and spread it beside the
road. Make road markings out of leftover icing. Check
the beer for consistency.
-
Stick
the appropriate number of candles in the roof of the
cake.
-
Crumble
a Cadbury's Flake at the side of the road to look like
a fallen tree.
-
Put
the finished cake in the fridge to hide it and to let
it solidify a little more. Eat the remaining Cadbury
Flake as a reward for finishing the cakemaking and wash
it down with the remaining beer in the knowledge of
a job well done.
Of
course, after all that beer, any dometic credit points
you gain from the cake will get used up when you keep
her awake all night snoring ...