Hello, my name is Ann I am a qualified food scientist and dietitian who likes to cook ridiculously unhealthy desserts!
I love God, love others and love life! After working as a dietitian for a number of years I resigned to take on a role as youth pastor at our church. We’ve had countless dinners and meetings at our house over the years, so there has been plenty of opportunities to bake and cook. Again and again I have been asked, ‘can you teach me how to cook that’. After writing out the recipes many a time and even having friends come to my house to learn how to cook I decided to one day start a cooking blog.
In March 2011 my third son was born (three wonderful boys), he was quite unwell and I was up feeding him 3 hourly throughout the night until he was 7 months old. To stay awake during those times I started howtocookthat.net Yes, that’s correct most of the first years posts were typed one handed at all hours of the night while feeding a baby.
I often get asked how can you make all of those cakes and desserts and still be slim? Well, there is no magic pill – all of our meals are low fat and healthy, I eat plenty of fruit and excercise regularly. I try to only make amazing desserts when we have people coming over to share it with. I do have intentions of adding the recipes that I use for dinner to the blog, but I keep getting sidetracked with desserts – they photograph so much more beautifully.
I have been cooking sweet things and collecting recipes ever since I was a little girl. What a blessing to have a mum that taught me to cook despite the mess that kids make in the kitchen.
Above is a pic of the first recipe I ever wrote out – my friends mum had made the most amazing chocolate cheesecake, so I asked for the recipe. I have a recipe file that is thick with gems collected over the years. If there is no source listed it is because I don’t actually know where they came from or I have adapted and developed the recipes myself.
Ann
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nut free macaron recipe 
choc orange macaron recipe
What a wonderful story! God also blessed me with a talent of cooking and baking and I really enjoy all the chocolate work you demonstrated so beautifully. God bless you and your family. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Susan : )
Arg….I am desiging my first ever fondant cake for my website and I got quoted for this hello kitty+ Chanel purse cake combination Fondant cake for $500+!!! That’s why I am dertermined to do it on my own. I am researching it and came across you site. Great information you have in here. Thanks. Hope I can make it because I do not know how to cook nor bake!!!
Wow $500, cakes do take a long time if they are very detailed – and there is the cost of ingredients too but the cake you have pictured is not a very detailed cake. Should cost about $70 in ingredients if using ganache – that is on aussie supermarket prices so may be different where you are. If you can make things out of play doh you can make this.
Make ahead your details – bracelet, lipstick, Chanel symbol see fondant lettering post (http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/four-different-ways-to-do-fondant-lettering/).
Make a 2 round cakes (eg: choc cake – http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/best-chocolate-cake-ever/ OR vanilla cake – http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/how-to-make-a-princess-cake-using-buttercream/ ) Cut in half and place on there side for your bag – cover between the cakes and over with buttercream (http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/buttercream-cupcake-frosting-recipes/ ) crumb coat or ganache For video of crumb coat see princess cake buttercream post. Once you have crumb coated it and left it in the fridge pull it out and do another coat of buttercream that is really smooth – any bumps and you will see it in your fondant. Put in fridge
Roll out some white fondant to the size of your cake board, place over the board. Roll out some black and cut out zebra stripes – place on the white and gently roll over to smooth, trim the edges to the edge of the cake board. Put your buttercream cake in place – put non stick baking paper around it to protect the zebra pattern from the pink fondant while you are working.
Colour your fondant pink – see fondant basics post (http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/sugar-paste-fondant-cake-decorations/ ) roll out your fondant – I like duff or fondx for covering a cake. the cake looks like it has been done with a strip over the top and two a half circle on the sides – this will be the trickiest part for you. Then roll a snake of black to cover your ‘seams’ and flat piece for you bag opening a fatter snake for your handles. Place the bracelet and lipstick in place and you’re done. Have fun – upload a pic of your cake when you are done, I’d love to see it.
What a wonderful and very helpful site. I am new at this cake decorating game so any helpful help is so appreciated.
Thank you so much,
Rachel
Hi Rachel, Thank you for your lovely feedback.
Hi Ann
I am absolutely addicted to your videos and Thankyou so much for showing others that it is possible to create beautiful cakes for their friends and family. I am just starting off and am a little confused. I have a couple of questions if you don’t mind??
1- do you have a fb page that I can follow you on?
2- what is the difference between fondant and sugar paste etc everyone seems to use it but I can’t depict which is better for covering cakes, making flowers etc
That’s all I can think of at the moment and once again that you for helping
Kara
Hi Kara, glad you like the videos.
1 – no facebook page for the blog I deleted it because there was no way to communicate with ‘fans’ unless I paid facebook. You can subscribe to the blog by rss or email or subscribe on youtube.
2 – fondant and sugar paste are the same thing, it goes by different names in different countries.
Hi Ann,
I came across your You Tube videos today while searching for some chocolate decoration tips and after watching it just one word came to my mind BRILLIANT !!!! Wish I had you as my neighbour
Thanks for sharing
Amila
Hi Ann
Are you on Facebook? I can’t locate you.
Came across your website last night by accident and love it. Love the ideas, videos recipes and how easy you make things look.
Have already shared your page with so many of my fellow Cupcake decorators.
Thanks Tara, so nice of you to share. I do not have a face book for the blog. I removed it as I could not communicate with ‘fans’ without paying face book. So you can either subscribe with email or rss to the blog or on youtube. Ann
Ann,
You have a new super Fan in the States and I can’t wait to buy your book.
Thank you so much for your time and God given talant that you freely give to us just starting out. God Bless you and your Family.
Diana Bevill
Your new friend across the Pound <3
Thanks so much Diana : )
hey ann i love ur website i was wondering in what part of ur website has those print out garnishes thank u oh and how long should i freeze the garnishes thanks bye. hayley
Hi Hayley the garnishes template is at the bottom of this post: http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/chocolate-decorations-for-desserts/ place in the fridge or freezer until just set firm – will not take long at all.
the template is at the end of this post… http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/chocolate-decorations-for-desserts/
If using real chocolate leave on bench to set and firm in fridge until ready to use. If using fake chocolate you can chuck it straight in the freezer until firm and then store in fridge. TO know how to tell if it is real or fake watch the video on this post… http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/how-to-temper-chocolate-in-the-microwave/ : )
Hi An,
after watching numerous videos from you I read your “ABOUT” page. It’s kind of funny because I am also a food nutrionist who like those “unhealthy” desserts for special events. It’s all about a healthy balance.
I hope that you will expand your receipes to “normal” recipes for dinner or launch. What I really like about your videos is that you go into detail and show what the watcher has to do to get a good result.
I also like your creativity. Would love to see some dinner videos from you as well. Because of your creativity I guess you would plate the food really nicely.
In hope for “more” content…
Chris
Hi Chris, Glad you like the site, I intend on doing healthy meals or nutrition info once my youngest is at school, so a bit of a wait I am afraid – but all about a healthy balance of time with kids.
I was looking for a recipe of macroon and found yours. In your video, you explained how to avoid all the problems and those are exactly I have had when making them. I love it! I have tried 4 times making marcroon and I have not succeed it. I am going to try again this Sunday!
I also love baking. I love your blog and you too!
What a blessing you are for a beginner like me. I came across to your website while looking for a video on how to make a piping bag , after watching it I open one of your recipe the French macaroons which I tried doing but ending up like a pancake. After watching your video I have learned alot. I love cooking and baking. Most of your recipes are easy to follow and really very aspiring specially those cake decoration made out of chocolate and buttercream frosting I love it all. I will try one of them and will let you now what the result is. Keep posting your a great help for aspiring bakers like me.
God bless you and your family,
Mrs. B. xxxx
Wow Ann Reardon you are a dessert-smith (like a wordsmith but with chocolate and all things delicious). As expressed I am a self-confessed horrid cook, but I’m thinking the chocolate desserts that use few (if any) heating elements might be a safe place to start. Very proud of you and your site. I’m inspired and will let you know how I get on. Congrats of all of your creations! Sal
thanks Sal, hope you feel better soon : )
Hi Ann,
This site is fantastic!! I am no cook- but as I just recently got married the ‘nesting’ has begun!!
Love being able to watch the dessert cooked b4 my eyes
You are remarkable!!
Larissa
Thanks Larissa, You are a baker in the making.
Wow, Ann you are truly amazing!! I love how you make everything look so easy and it always looks so professional. You are a true inspiration. Thank you for making the time to do this blog
Hi Ann
Just been reading about you, just seen your are a Christian, me too, that is even greater than all those amazing tips, but PTL for the tips. Ive given my very recent website, I make novelty cakes when asked but dont yet have a business as such.
blessings June
Hi Ann,
I just wanted to say a big “THANK YOU”! I came across your website, like others, quite by accident when planning my daughter’s 6th birthday cake. Thanks to your expert tuition, I was able to create a fantastic (if I say so myself!) cake which she was thrilled with and my friends were amazed by – I have spent this weekend singing your praises to all and sundry! Watching your video on how to make a princess cake was certainly the most productive 10 minutes I’ve spent recently! Thank you so much for sharing your talent – it is much appreciated. Have a great start to your week! Thanks again – I’ll know where to head for my inspiration come my son’s birthday in the spring!! Karen PS I’ve attached a photo, so you can see how I did – only the 4th time I’ve decorated with fondant icing, so I was really excited by the results, much of which was down to you
Wow, amazing Karen, thanks for taking the time to upload a photo, I am so glad that your daughter was thrilled with her birthday cake, well done.
I love your blog! Thank you very much for writing it!!:-)
Thanks Ann,
How nice of you to post not only the yummy recipes, but the cake decorating tutorials as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness.
Steve
Thanks for the lovely feedback Steve
Hi Ann,
I love your site and videos. They are fantastic for a beginner home baker like myself. I tried the buttercream cupcake decorating and was amazed at my first attempt!! My co-workers were even more surprised!
I am now starting to practice for my daughter 5th birthday cake and have been studying your videos intently!
Thank you for sharing your awesome skills, giving the clearest of instructions and making it all look very simple! I salute you!
Cheers,
Denise
Thanks Denise and happy birthday to your daughter
I love your folder, what a fab idea to keep everything tidy and know where to look for a specific recipe. I love your blog and youtube channel
Brillant work!
Hi there!
I just wanted to thank you for your amazing website and the fantastic recipes!
I have always loved baking and this website is a fantastic inspiration! thank you very much.
Kind regards from Holland!
thanks Myra and greeting from Australia : )
Thank you, Ann, for such a wonderful site. Your videos are so good! I like it when you show us how something should look and how it should not.
(“How is should not look” is sometimes more helpful!!) I have marked your site as a “favorite” on my toolbar. And thank you for giving the US measurements at times. Although with with internet, it is easy to find conversions or to find out what “castor sugar” is or what can be substituted if need be. Thanks again for taking the time to share. Keep up the good work!!
thanks Diane
Hi Ann. I made a version of your cake to look like a gold ore block from the game, with golds, orange and greys for the mosaic. The cake was marbled gold and grey, with grey buttercream icing. I have to say that grey is not the most appetising colour for food! Regardless, my son and his friends enjoyed the cake. I made a papercraft Steve to go in front which ended up being a nice touch. Being the second cake I’ve made (first an Xbox remote) it highlighted some basic cake making skills I needed to master, but after what must have been 15-20 hours I got there, which included a 4×4 test cake! A few wonky bits on the final product, but I want to have another go some day (another son’s birthday in Sept!) so it can’t have been all bad. I really want to thank you for your post and video. I would never have attempted this cake without them. I appreciate your help.
Awesome Mark, thanks so much for uploading the picture and happy birthday to your son
Hi ann, Ur videos r superb…. My chocolates keep melting wat do i do… Wat type of chocolate compound shud i use…. I m based in india… Its pretty hot out here… Pls help…. I make chocolates at home n sell… Lukin for innovations pls help
Hi Rekha, chocolate needs to be tempered to give it a higher melting point see this post http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/how-to-temper-chocolate-in-the-microwave/ but even when it is tempered it will melt at around 35 degrees C so that it will melt in your mouth. ‘fake’ chocolate has a higher melting point than that see the same post for a video explaining the difference.
Hi Ann love your YouTube channel made the pavlova came out prefect thanks for showing me. Can you please make a black forest cake my wife’s birthday coming up in a few weeks and want to try one.
Hi Ann, I just wanted to say that when I read your introduction, I was struck first and foremost by your kindness and generosity of spirit. That, to me, is very inspiring. You’re a real blessing to many! Thanks very much for this blog of yours.
HayleyG
Hi Ann, I have just discovered your site after searching for a macaron recipe for my nut allergy son-in-law. Fancy, after being told there is no substitute for almond meal! Haven’t made them yet but at least there’s hope. I’m now about to venture into your other amazing recipes. Thankyou so much Margie
Thanks for leaving a comment Margie, I just read an article this week about someone who used stale bread, dried out and then ground to a fine crumb to replace almond meal. I have not tried that one yet.
Hello Ann.
I’d like to introduce your some recipes.
Can I obtain permission?
For example http://mole-cook.com/recipe%EF%BC%86how-to/%E3%83%81%E3%83%A7%E3%82%B3%E3%83%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E3%82%B8%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A3%E3%83%BC%E7%90%83/
Hi masa, yes that is fine as long as you clearly link to the original post as you have done.
Dear Ann
I am very impressed by your video tutorials!!! Loved all those chocolate garnishes.I just loved it.I have done few chocolate garnishes and using molds made chocolate toppers.I had used HERSHEY’s Semi sweet Chocolate chips and Baker’s Baking Chocolate bars.I had melted those 2 products and made perfect while designing it.While garnishing within few minutes it gets melt down
Where do we get Chocolate melts as you mentioned Candy melts are fake.I ll be highly grateful in thanking you for telling me name of the product for chocolate melts.?I am currently living in the US.Awaiting to hear your comments or mail me please. Do visit my blog for my few chocolate garnishes on my cupcakes and cauldron cupcakes and you will notice it is melting down 
Hi Archana, If you temper the chocolate it will not sag at room temp see this post…
http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/how-to-temper-chocolate-in-the-microwave/
Thank you for sharing your ideas. I have tried your Mickey Mouse cupcake and Princess cake for my 3 year old little girl. She was so delighted! You videos are very helpful and recipes are easy to follow. Continue to share your amazing work! Thanks again!
Running across your site was a blessing. I was going to make balloon decorations. I like these so much more because they’re so practical (LOL you can eat them). Chocolate and fruit are separate so everybody’s covered.
I made the Chocolate Bowls, definitely my favourite recipe.
Beautiful Lisa, I am often asked for ideas of what to put in them and strawberries and cream is a great one.
Ann, you’re work is brilliant and very inspirational. I wondered if I could ask you for some advice. I am about to make a globe cake, and wanted to know how to best support it. It will be quite large, so I was thinking about making the bottom sphere out of RKT and stacking then carving sheet cakes above it to make the upper hemisphere, but I would ideally like the whole thing to me made out of cake. If I drilled a few dowels into the board as well as used cake boards and dowels throughout, do you think the whole thing could be made of cake? Thanks so much!
Hi M, Yes you could make the whole thing out of cake if you look at the minion cake it will give you a good idea of how to do it. http://www.howtocookthat.net/public_html/despicable-me-2-3d-minion-cake-decorating-tutorial/
Hi Ann,
I wanted to know if you can give me the brand name and model of the silicone cupcake tray you use when you make the white chocolate dipped oreos with the chocolate transfer sheets. I have purchsed a couple of them but everyone of them is either to wide at the bottom or to deep. I cant seem to find the exact one you use in your video. I would like to purchase the same one you have but don’t know where to get it. Any help would be great.
Thanks,
Lance
Hi Lance,the one I have is too deep but I just don’t fill it all the way up, the brand of mine is willow
Hi Ann,
I love your blog, I followed your Thomas Tank Engine Face tutorial and turned out great so thankyou. Keep up the great work.
Anita
Hi Anita, thanks for coming back to let me know I am glad it worked out for you.
Hey can u please make a lady bird cake & bath tub cake ?
Hi Ann,
I just wanted to thankful for your fabulous site. I made the below cake for my sister yesterday and everyone loved it and I had heaps of fun making it too! I couldn’t have done it without your help
♥ Bree
here’s a pic of my cake with your Ombre icing (i flavoured it raspberry), white chocolate flowers and chocolate lettering xxx thanks again!