How to choose ... a decorating turntable
If you've ever wondered how pastry chefs manage to get such perfect icing on the side of cakes, it's not that their hands are steadier than yours; they're almost certainly using a decorating turntable.
What is it? A stable base with a rotating top. This lets the decorator ice the sides of a cake by rotating the turntable to achieve a smooth finish.
What to look for: the types used by professionals have a heavy stand with a raised top, which rotates on stainless-steel ball bearings. Usually, these types are made of metal. They are preferable to lighter plastic versions because they're more stable. Plastic turntables are fine if you decorate cakes
only occasionally, but take care; they tip over quite easily. Whichever type you choose, the top of the turntable should be about 30cm in diameter.
Where to buy: Mini Store (tel: 2561 0814) in Quarry Bay sometimes carries plastic turntables, while you can occasionally find professional versions at the cookware shops on Shanghai Street (take exit C of the Yau Ma Tei MTR station).