So, I've been attempting to make candy jewels for an upcoming competition cake. The whole candy part sucks! LOL!! I tried using a gelatin mixture, that went pretty well actually, but they don't come out shiny enough. So far, the best method I could come up with to get the liquid into the mould is to use my turkey baster, with the flavour injector attachment (looks like a big needle). It was super accurate, and worked really well with the gelatin,but when I tried it with the candy, the liquid cooled off too quickly and plugged up the baster....Any ideas on some other tool I could use???

I used a metal baster without the attachment. It was a pain to make all that I needed but that was the only way I got it to work. I had to make a few batches due to hardening and discoloration.

Here's the cake I made all the jewels for: http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_283473.html

Really nice cake! I found my baster drips liquid even when I'm not squeezing it, so it made a real mess without the attachment....maybe I need to shop for a better quality baster!

wear latex gloves, a few pair to help, but use a parchment cone works. It is, uhmm, warm, but works.

I have been using the liquis method, and not adding any flavoring. I put it into a glass measuring cup with a pour spont on it and fill the jems that way.

Right now my husband has banned me from trying anymore. He says I make too big a mess. Can you imagine that?

funny how you can make a mess and feed them dinner, but make a mess for a cake??? I'll be good now

LMAO!! Too funny!! I've been doing my experimenting while my DH is at work - what he doesn't know won't hurt him!!!

I recently went to a cake decorating store and someone there told me that nicholas lodge crushes jolly rancher candies into silicone gem molds, puts them into the oven just until they are melted, then takes them out and lets them cool and harden. I have personally tried this myself yet, but it sound like it would work pretty good.

Lisa

I would try that, but I'm making clear gems....aren't Jolly Ranchers only coloured??

"Right now my husband has banned me from trying anymore. He says I make too big a mess. Can you imagine that?"
Are you standing over him with a whip and making HIM clean it up ?

WOMEN'S POEM
He didn't like the casserole

And he didn't like my cake.

He said my biscuits were too hard...

Not like his mother used to make.

I didn't perk the coffee right

He didn't like the stew,

I didn't mend his socks

The way his mother used to do.

I pondered for an answer

I was looking for a clue.

Then I turned around and smacked the crap out of him...

Like his mother used to do.

LOL!!! Thanks for that Grama_j!! That's definitely a keeper!!