With the flood of reality television cooking shows, including My Kitchen Rules and MasterChef, wannabe foodies are spending plenty of time near the oven.

One pastime gathering momentum as a result is cake decorating - and don’t be fooled, it’s a serious business.

Well-known Wagga business HD Cake Decorators’ Ken and Helen Robinson tasted success at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, something the couple has been doing for decades.

Ken finished second in the most creative miniature cake section and third in most creative cake and special occasion cake categories.

His wife Helen, who has been a cake decorator for 30 years, finished second in the arrangement of flowers category and received a highly commended in the wedding cake competition at Sydney’s premier event.

The show attracts entries from around Australia, all vying for coveted titles.

Ken admits the cake decorating competitions are competitive, but says it’s also a good way for those interested in the field to stay up with the latest trends in decorating and the equipment used.

“It’s always hard to know how you’ll go in the competitions, but it’s a good way of staying up with the latest trends,” Ken said.

“It’s a bonus if you do receive a ribbon.”

HD Cake Decorators, on Baylis Street, make decorated cakes for clients but also sell 

equipment for those wanting to give it a go themselves.

“A lot of people have the desire to do it themselves and we hold classes for those interested to learn more about it,” he said.

“We encourage people who are interested in cake decorating to give it a go.”

Ken said the industry was growing significantly due to increased media attention and the amount of information easily available to novices on the internet.

“The young mums will always want to do their kids’ birthday cakes – it’s a very rewarding and relaxing hobby,” he said. “You can’t do two things the same.”

HD Cake Decorators make desserts for all occasions – weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and even divorces.

Ken is also vying for show glory in a different field next week.

Some of Ken’s beef cattle will be judged up against some of the best Australia has to offer.