We
used our highlighting dust to dust milk chocolate silver in this picture.
Q. What do you use to paint
silver and gold onto chocolate?
A. Lemon extract or liquor
- anything colorless with alcohol in it - highest alcohol ratio the better.
Just like painting on fondant or gumpaste
Coloring Dusts were developed for the cake decorating industry,Disco, Mystical, Petal, Pearl, Luster, Metallic, Sparkle Dusts contain only ingredients that are NON-TOXIC and are ideal for use on gumpaste or rolled fondant flowers, plaques, lettering, chocolates, etc. They present a range of creative color possibilities and the opportunity to achieve color of unique liveliness and impact. Not food approved in the U.S.A. but are non-toxic or harmful to eat, the same as silver dragees we've used for years. Or like kids eating their crayons...they don't harm them, it just is not food nor nutricious in any way. These have been used extensively in Europe for many years. Dusts are not a food additive and should not be considered as such. Intended for use in the dry form, any of the powders may also be mixed with oil based flavorings, piping gel or alcohol for painting and highlighting.
For a more permanent application, liquefy with Tylose gum glue or confectioners glaze.
Each type of Dust creates a different effect.
Please note those colors indicated
by * contain Iron Blue or Chromium Oxide and must be labeled "for decorative
use only".
SUGARCRAFT'S TIPS
* Mix with
a drop of cooking oil and paint edges of buttercream or gumpaste flowers.
* Brush on dried
gumpaste flowers or fondant pieces.
* Paint over
icing writing.
* Brush or paint
on the edge of a fondant plaque.
* Paint on plastic
pillars to match bridal colors.
* Mix with piping
gel and pipe through a cake decorating tip.
* Paint on dried
fondant icing for a gift wrap look.
* Brush on chocolate
pieces.
* Sprinkle in
a candy mold, add cooled chocolate carefully for 'scales' on a fish.
Q: What is the best thing to mix
gold highlighter dust with to paint on gumpaste?
I need to paint a mask for an upcoming
cake and, after I thought about it, realized I've never used the gold dust
to paint with!
.
From ts in tx: Mix with: Everclear,
gin, or vodka in that order.
.
From HC: ...cheap white booze! Everybody
who's done a book recommends extracts but I hate using those because they
have oil in them and of course they never fully dry. I prefer straight
alcohol....dries quick & has the same effect as an extract, plus of
course you don't taste the extract. (Tried painting with lemon extract
on chocolate??? All you taste is bitter lemon chocolate.... YUCK!!!) I
prefer to use white rum.... works the same as vodka but it just smells
a bit nicer when you're working with it, especially if you have to do it
@ 7am! 7am & vodka smell don't mix. So basically, use any *clear* (and
when I say clear I mean *cheap*) alcohol. It'll dry in 5 minutes or so.
As you said you've never *painted* before..... using straight alcohol might
produce lines in your finished dried product.....don't fret. When dry all
you do is brush over those lines lightly with a dry makeup brush or even
a wadded up little ball of cheesecloth very lightly and they disappear.
.
I do secretly work for the Acme
Superfine Cheesecloth Co....they're located in Go Home, Manitoba, at the
corner of Middle and Nowhere Streets. Although I guess it's a secret no
longer!
.
Actually, no, it's just really useful
stuff for all kinds of cake deco things. Makes good looking leather etc.,
but for this purpose if you can't find cheesecloth for buffing (works well
painting on fondant too if you don't have an airbrush) you can also use
*j-cloth* brand cloths which are of a similar weight and will do the same
job for buffing. :o)
Q. I can't quite wrap
my mind around what you're saying about using the cheesecloth for painting
on fondant if you don't have an airbrush...do you mean you dip a wad of
it in the color, and brush it on? Dab it on? And is it instead of a paintbrush?
(Yeah, I did get that it's instead of an airbrush; I know you can use a
paintbrush instead of an airbrush) but beyond that, all I get is a buzzing
noise from my brain. Been a long week.
A. If fondant's been
sitting a bit it forms an outer crust, and that's practically impossible
to paint on precisely with colour & alcohol because it's not as absorbant
and causes drips. If you're trying painting on freshly done fondant it's
not really an issue though. So for crusted fondant cheesecloth wadded up
in a ball (or wrapped around the end of a paintbrush), dipped in colour
then painted works well because the cheesecloth is absorbant and doesn't
allow for any dripping. Hope that makes sense,
.
Q. Is there a "ratio" of
dust to vodka, or do you just "wing" it ?
A. I started with a teaspoons
and added dust until it was a paint-like consistency. If it is too thin,
you'll see that it is leaving thin spots and gaps.
.
From Marida: Airmaster Airbrush:
You
can airbrush petal dusts through it by adding Everclear to a small
bottle of dust. I use the 2 oz. bottles and add one container of the dust.
You can practice with the airbrush by using some designed paper towels
and filling in the designs. There are also some good books by Carol Faxon
on airbrushing. Everclear. This is 100% pure grain alcohol. You can use
Vodka and some use lemon extract. I like the Everclear but you do have
to buy it in a liquor store. I always wonder what my customers think when
they come in and see a bottle of that stuff on my counter, illegal in some
states. check your local (if you have one) liquor store.
QUESTION: How much vodka to how
much petal dust? I have an airbrush?
REPLY: (From George Fowler) - I
put 2 containers of dust in a 2 oz plastic bottle and then fill it with
vodka. I used to use 3 containers of dust in a 2 oz bottle but found that
2 works fine. Remember to shake the bottle very well each time before
you but it into the airbrush cup.
QUESTION: George, Do you have
to use the whole 2 oz at one time or can you store it? Does the vodka evaporate?
REPLY: I use what I need and save
it for the next time. If the lid is on tight it will not evaporate. Just
remember when you use it again you will have to shake it well.
.
Mon Apr 16 08:37:24 2001
I saw Michelle
P. mention that she sprays on dusts with her airbrush by mixing them with
Vodka, or lemon extract. I tried the Vodka mix this weekend, and
although it worked great, I detected a slight flavor on the fondant left
by the vodka. I can imagine this would happen with extract as
well. Does anyone else ever notice this? Is there anything else I can use?
I'm assuming the dust would just clump up in water, so I couldn't use
that?
PJ said she uses grain alcohol...called Everclear?!? (I don't want to sound stupid...but I know NOTHING about alcohol!!) I think the alcohol content it SO HIGH in this stuff that to use this it would be tasteless....am I right or wrong gals?!?! ;o)
Had a few "Purple Passions" in college (grape flavored Everclear), but couldn't tell you what it tastes like straight. When you use it for your airbrushing like you mentioned, does the alcohol evaporate after a while?? Wouldn't want to serve the cake to 8-year-olds if it doesn't. :-)
from what I understand... the alcohol content is so high in that, that it evaporates quickly and leaves no taste like the extract, and vodka can...(I'm sure the stuff straight tastes like something!!) PJ needs to field this one...I think this is the route she goes, and she would know if it leaves an "aftertaste" or doesn't evaporate completely to be safe.
FROM PJ: Yes, I use Everclear,
no it does not leave a taste, it evaporates so fast it never really hits
the cake, only the dust does..LOL and the actual taste, well....I
tasted it once and lost all feeling in my lips and tongue for a couple
hours!
My Airbrush
can have a bottle attached, so I mix about a quarter teaspoon of pearl
dust with about 2 tablespoons of everclear, or till the dust is swirly
in the jar, then spray it on. If you can not use a jar on your brush, mix
it in a baby food jar or a jar with a lid, then pour it in the cup as
needed...why the lid, because if you don't keep it sealed, it will evaporate
before your eyes! I'M NOT KIDDING! LOL! Good luck!
Q. I've never tried it in my kopykake airbrush for fear of clogging...anyone have that problem?
A. I have a kopykake airbrush too, and it works great. Just clean it well after you are done...(I spray hot water through mine several times until it sprayes clear). I have done it many times, and it works great! ;o)
George Fowler
Re: Airbrushing luster dust etc.
I mix two
containers of luster dust in a 2 oz bottle filled with vodka. I use a higher
pressure when using this mixture so that it won't clog up the needle. The
cup does empty faster than with regular airbrush colors but I am able to
get most things covered re-filling the cup 3 0r 4 times (depends how large
the flower or bow being covered.) Just remember to shake well each time
before you fill the airbrush cup. You refill the cup more often but the
results are worth it.
FROM PJ: Only time it ever
clogged on me was when I was using canned air, but I think it was because
the can was getting low and the pressure wasn't as strong. I have
a compressor now and no problems what so ever. I also clean my brush well
after, I run hot water through and use airbrush cleaner now and then.
One caution...hehehe...make sure you do this in an area where its well
covered with toweling or some surface protection...or where you don't
mind if your cupboard doors have a pretty "sparkle" to them when the sun
hits them..LOL OH another note, always keep the cap on the bottle
of Everclear, it will evaporate!
Funny true story....My
Girlfriends daughter was dying to see what Everclear tasted like, so she
got a shot glass , pour a tiny amount in it and turned to put the
cap back on the bottle...well, she picked up the shot glass and it was
empty! She did this three more times before realizing that the time
it took her to replace the cap on the bottle, the liquid in the shot glass
was evaporating! LOL so moral of the story, don't worry about it
getting your cake wet or soaking in to much...it will evaporate before
it ever hits the cake! Someone mentioned not serving it to kids...mine
eat cake thats been airbrushed all the time..LOL..haven't seen either drunk
yet!
 SEA
SHELL CAKE
Usually people use candy molds. We have some push molds too...same page with other sea shell molds..bottom of pg. See on menu - Candy molds for the SEA-WATER molds. These are hard plastic. Using fondant, just press the dough in and pop it out. May need to dust the mold a little using cornstarch, or better, brush cornstarch on the fondant before pressing in the mold. If you use coating
chocolate, just pour it in the mold and chill, unmold.
I know of no mold for coral.
|
HELP FILES
- MOLDED CHOCOLATES/DUSTS
From Mari S (WA): Applying dusting
color on to the chocolates? If you are doing a design, and want a professional
look, melt a bit of cocoabutter and mix the color you desire in, then paint
on to the chocolate. If you are doing flat pieces, you can paint this mixture
on to acetate sheets, then cover the sheet with melted chocolate, let set,
then peel off the acetate sheet.
Subject: Responses to Pearl Dust
on Chocolate
I am trying to figure out how I
apply lustre or pearl dust on white chocolate suckers to create a pearlized
effect, How do I get the lustre dust to adhere to the chocolate?
Someone suggested using corn syrup or alcohol but wouldn't this make the
chocolate sticky? sHELLY
From: Missjcakes
I just use plain luster dust brushed
on with a large brush. It helps if your white chocolate has been
freshly molded, it seems to stick better.
From: Robin506
You can just brush pearl/luster
dust on the chocolate pieces after they are molded. I put the pearl
dust on the brush very sparingly, and just brush back and forth.
You can add more to the brush if you wish the pearl to be shiny-er.
It looks beautiful. The gold dust on milk or dark chocolate is fabulous
also.
You can also take lemon extract and mix with the luster dust of your choice to paint it on, but I find this is not necessary with the pearl. That is more appropriate with the gold and silver.
From: JINX1105
I just wait until the chocolate
has cooled just a bit or is almost set- yet still tacky- before applying
the lustre. When doing a hot item like tuiles, I apply sugar nibs
right after shaping and while still hot. Allison
From: proicer@one.net
(Webmaster for www.sugarcraft.com)
Pearl dust on chocolate 'idea' came
from my web site.
Please go to Candy Molds / Miscellaneous
candy molds and there are pictures with the 2" plain sucker molds on that
page. Otherwise, go to Http://w3.one.net/~proicer/index.html and then to
the message board there and ask for advice. Helenoh wo writes on the candy
subject can help.
Dolores at http://www.sugarcraft.com
From: sweetexpress@wctel.net
(kathy scott)
Finally something I can answer.
I really enjoy the emails for help and the answers. I am glad I can contribute
again.
We use pearl dust on chocolate's
quite often. We just brush it on dry.
The metallic dust work the best.
I know some will email and say the dust are not to be eaten. I have
heard pros and cons on both sides. I have finally decided if they are non-toxic
they are not going to give you any nutritional value similar to Crayons
used by children. If they are non-edible, them they should not be
eaten and I try not to use these at all. Kathy Scott
From: edblart@mindspring.com
Just brush it on dry as you would
onto gum paste flowers. Chocolate takes petal and lustre dust beautifully.
Keith Ryder
From: Cakecolet
you dont need to add anything to
pearl dust to get it to adhere to chocolate,,,just brush it on dry and
it will stick -Colette
From: cakegal@cakegallery.com
(Vicky Harlen)
I have used pearl dust on chocolate
in several ways. One is simply to brush it on, you want to be sure
you shake of any excess dust from the brush. Using a brush it is hard to
get an even coating when doing a larger area, but it works great if you
are only highlighting something, like a raised part. My favorite way to
do it to cover larger areas evenly is to use an airbrush, (an Aztek works
best), mix the pearl dust with a Vodka or some other clear spirit and spray
them. Remember to keep the dust and liquor moving as the dust will
settle to the bottom.
From: slampkin@globalnet.co.uk
(Sheila Lampkin)
from Sheila Lampkin Cake Craft and
Decoration
Re lustre on chocolate
I believe a light smearing of white
fat would do the trick Jems Petal Base or coconut oil
From: binsted@erols.com
(Marida Binsted)
I use petal dust on white chocolate
when I make my seashell cake. It is very easy and effective.
Just paint it on with a small paint brush.I do not use lemon juice or alcohol
with it.Marida
From: beryls@beryls.com
(Beryl Loveland)
Dust your chocolate molds with the
pearl dust first, add melted chocolate and set up as usual.
This seems to work fine - I have done it many times when making chocolate
sea shells. You can add mutiple colours for different effects..Beryl
From: Diane Shavkin
From: BEACAKE
I have the plastic molds (candy)
for many shapes of sea shells, urchins, horses, and the like. They
work well to make candies from. As far as the coral goes, in Colettes'
book of Wedding Cakes on page 40 there is coral, she suggests using
royal icing and the pattern in the book, SIMPLE to do. You need this
book......Lots of cool ways to make shells or things related. Name of cake
is Coral Reef.
From Marida:
When I make the seashell cake I
use different seashell molds and melt white
chocolate and put that into the molds. Pop them into the freezer
for a few minutes, unmold them and then dust them with various colors of
petal
and pearl dust. Real easy and effective. I am forwarding
a couple of cakes with seashells on them.
From this website:
http://www.fda.gov/ora/compliance_ref/cpg/cpgfod/cpg545-200.html
Sec. 545.200 Confectionery Decorations
(Nutritive and Non-Nutritive) (CPG 7117.03)
BACKGROUND:
*The Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act contains a specific prohibition against the presence of a
non-nutritive substance in confectionery (section
402(d)(3)). Although there
is no outright prohibition against the presence of non-nutritive substances
in other foods, section 402(b) is applicable in
determining the legality of
the addition of non-nutritive substances in other food products.*
POLICY:
Decorative cake letters, etc.,
consisting of sugar and albumen are considered confectionery under the
act and must be labeled in compliance with the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act.
*Some candleholders and other
cake decorations are made from sugar and albumen with an inserted metal
wire. When these decorations are sold in a
manner not implying they are
a food or confectionery, they are not regarded as food within the meaning
of the act.*
When small silver balls known
as "silver dragees" are sold exclusively for decorating cakes and are used
under conditions which preclude their consumption
as confectionery, they are
not considered to be in the category of a food or confectionery.
Silver colored almonds have been offered for cake decoration. In this regard, the *Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition* has stated:
"Although, the articles (silver
colored almonds) may be intended for cake decoration, we do not agree that
they are dragees; further, we see no compelling
information that the articles
are to be used for decorative purposes only and thus would not be eaten.
There is no authority under the color additive regulations
which permits silver to be
used as a color. Neither is there a food additive regulation (or exemption)
authorizing silver as a food coating."
REGULATORY ACTION GUIDANCE:
Recommend seizure or detain
all shipments of silver coated (or silver colored) almonds, and any other
silver coated food articles not confined to decorative
use only.
Detentions should charge the
article is violative within the meaning of Section 801(a)(3) of the act
in that it appears to be adulterated, since it appears to bear
silver, a color additive,
which is unsafe within the meaning of Section 721(a) of the act.
NOTE: See Sec. 515.100 (CPG 7105.01) for a statement of policy on non-nutritive substances as ingredients of confectionery.
SPECIMEN CHARGE:
*The article was adulterated
when introduced into, while in, and is adulterated while held for sale
after shipment in interstate commerce within the meaning of said
Act 21 U.S.C. 342(c) in that it contains a color additive, namely silver,
which is unsafe within the meaning of 21 U.S.C. 376(a), since there is
not in
effect a regulation or exemption
issued pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 376 permitting use of this color additive.*
*Material between asterisks is new or revised.*
Issued: 1/19/77
Reissued: 10/1/80
Revised: 4/1/81, 6/27/88