Before you begin:

•	Kitchens can be dangerous so make sure you have just read the Kitchen Safety Checklist.
•	Check with Mum or Dad that you are allowed to cook.
•	So the food doesn’t get any germs wash your hands with warm soapy water and dry them well.
•	Read the recipe through before you begin and get out all the equipment and ingredients you will need.
•	Don’t forget to have fun, and the best cooks ALWAYS clean up their mess.

Here’s what you need:

•	1 large oblong cake
•	1 quantity icing (see recipe for Fairy Castle Cake, omitting the pink colour)
•	1 liquorice strap, cut into thin strips
•	Black and red cake decorating gel
•	1 medium-sized white chocolate bar, broken into pieces
•	Lolly pythons, snakes and candles

Here’s how to do it :

Step 1
Make up cakes following directions on pack. The cakes can be prepared individually and then mixed together. Pour mixture into a greased and baking paper lined oblong baking dish approximately 25cm x 35cm and bake as directed for approximately 45 minutes. When cooked allow to stand in pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool

Step 2
Cut a piece of baking paper the same size as the cake. Fold paper in half lengthwise and draw half a skull shape. Cut around the shape, fold out and place onto cake. Using paper as a template cut out a skull shape from the cake.

Step 3
Cover cake with white icing. Place liquorice around the edge of the cake. Using photo as a guide, mark out eyes, nose and mouth, then fill in as shown with the black piping gel. Place white chocolate for teeth and pipe red gel into the mouth. Decorate with pythons and snakes; finish with required amount of candles.

Makes: 1 large birthday cake to serve approximately 30-35

Setting Up Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

HOT TIP: For an extra quick version – buy a slab of cake and a can of prepared frosting and the lollies as suggested and follow the instructions above.