Designer Handbag

Easy Chocolate Cake

Easy Butter Icing

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Remove 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) of the white icing to small bowl. Remove 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) icing to another small bowl; tint coral by combining orange and pink paste food colouring. Tint remaining icing dark brown.

Cut cake in half lengthwise. Spread top of one half with about 1/4 cup (50 mL) white icing. Top with remaining half, aligning edges.

Using diagram as guide, starting 2 inches (5 cm) from end and angling down to corner, cut off triangle. Repeat on other end to form purse shape. Trim each triangle to 3 x 2 x 2 inches (8 x 5 x 5 cm) to form handle bases A and B. Using white icing, stick long side of each triangle on top of each end of purse for handle bases.

Spread remaining white icing over top and sides of cake and handle bases to mask and seal in crumbs. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

Spread all but 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the coral icing over top and sides of handbag. Spread about 1/3 cup (75 mL) of the brown icing over handle bases.

Using piping bag fitted with 1/4-inch (5 mm) plain tip, pipe brown icing along edges of handbag; press dragées decoratively into piping and onto handle bases. Pipe zipper on top; chill until firm.

Meanwhile, tint 5 oz (150 g) of the marzipan dark brown. Form into 13-inch (33 cm) rope for handle; flatten slightly at both ends.

Using remaining marzipan, form into initials, two 2-1/2-inch (6 cm) ropes, one 3-1/2-inch (9 cm) rope and 4 rivets.

Mix about 1/2 tsp (2 mL) lustre dust with enough vodka to make smooth paste; paint initials, ropes and rivets. Using straw, cut hole in top of initials. Let marzipan dry on waxed paper until flexible without cracking, about 1 hour.

Using toothpicks, attach handle to handle bases. With icing, stick rivets onto sides of handle bases. Prop handle with can or bottle to support until hardened.

Thread each short rope through hole in each initial; press ends to form circles. Thread long rope through circles; press ends together. Stick to handbag with remaining coral icing. Chill until firm.