I'm preparing huge batches of MMF to take to son's preschool on Tuesday. Kids are going to make rocket ships. I'm returning the week after to have them paint it. I just bought a big bottle of lemon extract (fairly cheap), but my wilton food color is "clotting" in the lemon extract. It's not mixing nicely. Any suggestions? Do you suppose my extract is bad (it's the smart n' final brand). I want something that will be edible, as I know the kids will lick it.
thanks

well, I have used just straight water with the wilton food colors that you get from the local supercenter. They worked just fine as long as you gave them some extra time to dry (not much longer actually) Or you can get those kewl foodmarkers pens in the baking aisle at the grocers. That would work too and less mess to clean i would think.

I was gonna suggest Vodka, as some people use this, but then you said kids will be licking it. Oh what the heck, The kids will love it with Vodka, I'm sure!

You need something alcohol based I believe, for it to dry faster. Otherwise, you'll have to wait, I'm afraid.

So, there is really no harm in using water? I always thought using water would break down or deteriorate the fondant...like turn it into gum or something. Is there any chance of that? The kids will more than likely "over do it" when it comes to paint. There is no chance they'll paint sparingly. I always thought an alcolhol based mixture was imperative. You've given me a brand new idea (and a less expensive one!). There won't be any problem with letting them dry longer, as long as you think water won't comprismise the original shape!!!

Thank you!!

Cakeman...hahaha!

I just painted MMF with lemon extract and wilton colors. Use a bigger brush to really mix it in or maybe you didn't have enough extract to water it down. I also love using the Wilton bottle of white paint. That can be used instead of extract but obviously your colors will be lighter and it takes forever to dry.

What has everyone's experience been with the wilton colors and lemon extract? I'm starting to think that I have cheap extract. I purchased a huge bottle (16oz) for about $6. Has anyone ever experienced this clotting problem? I'm just using the regular Wilton food dyes (not the oil-based candy dye, either). THANKS!!

I just did a dallas cowboys cake last week and I had the same problem with the clotting. i tried both food coloring gel and wilton colors and both did the same thing so i did ultimatly use water. then i used the lemon extract with the silver super luster dust and it worked fine. I came up with the conclusion that the gel colors dont mix well with the extract like the dusts are able to.

I have always used vodka to mix my colors with. I really don't think you 'll have a problem with a pre-schooler putting paint in their mouth. My daughter is 3 and never does it. I think at that age they've already been taught not to do it...
If it was icing I know they would put it in their mouths, but paint?...nah....

I use lemon extract - I ran out recently in the middle of painting something and had to use water. I did not like the shiny effect the water had on the gel after it dried. And it took a lot longer for it to dry than when using the extract. If I want a shiny finish on something I will use water and just have to let it dry longer. But it does work. I did have the clotting problem as well.