I made gumpaste using this recipe and now it seems rubbery any hints on why or how I can make it better.

1 lb. I0 X confectioners sugar

2 Tablespoons Gum Tragacanth

1/3 cup cold water

1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

1 Tablespoons shortening, melted

3 Tablespoons corn syrup

-- Combine Sugar and Gum Tragacanth in a large mixer bowl. Place in a 200º degree oven for 5-10 minutes. When ready it should feel warm to the touch.

-- Soften gelatin in cold water in a heatproof glass container. Allow to stand for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

-- Melt shortening.

-- Heat gelatin-water mixture in microwave in 5-10 second bursts. Stir slightly between burst until mixture becomes clear. Add glucose or corn syrup, and shortening. Stir to combine.

-- Add liquids to dry ingredients, mixing to combine. At first the mixture will be very soft. Beat for about 10 minutes until white and stiff. (This recipe cannot be made by hand).

-- Turn out on greased surface. (A plastic handheld bowl scraper sprayed with non-stick pan spray helps.) Knead a little with greased hands. Wrap gumpaste in greased plastic bag and seal airtight. Allow to sit at least overnight, as it improves with age.

sorry bump!

Hi, Kiddo!

You are using Rosemary's recipe, right (Sugar Bouquets)? There is a line in the instructions which says "Mixture will be a bit like marshmallow." Is this what you mean by rubbery? How long have you let it cure so far?

Theresa from PA ICES

ahh a friendly face. Marshmallow would be a good thing, this is rubbery as in if you try to roll into a ball its piecy like it won't come together. I let it set almost 2 days. Who knows what the heck I did Iwas just trying to salvage it. I also tried the Nick Lodge recipe but that seems slightly the same way not as tough but still a bit stretchy. I had better luck with the Wilton crap or even CK. I will try to make the recipe again and if it happens I will bring it to state college show. U going to that?

Yes, I am going. I will be with you in Lambeth class. Show it to Kim, along with the recipe. I bet she can figure it out. I always use CK. I have no trouble with it, except in rainy weather, so I always add an extra 1/2-1 teaspoon of trag, depending on the size batch.

Hey, I am bringing some UK tools and books along to sell after my demo on Sat. I am raising funds to pay dues. I will be at the registration desk, probably the rest of the day. I will send you a list if you're interested.

I'm thinking that there is too much gum trag in that recipe. Can you roll it out and have it keep its shape. A gum trag recipe doesn't feel at all like the mixes. Its has a softer stretcher feel to it. Kind of like a bubble gum. If its dry and crumbly try adding a teaspoon or less of water at a time, and see if it will come back together.

When I roll it out it shrinks back a little. But I am trying to make figures and I can't roll into a ball for the head, if i roll it into a ball it does shape however it doens't actually come together totally but its not dry and crumpbly.

Cakinqueen, where do you get your gum trag? I can only seem to find it in the UK or Canada.

As for your problem I also believe it has too much gum trag in it. Here's a recipe for a small batch (by hand), it's great in humid weather:
1) 1 1/2 tsp. Meringue powder
2 tbsp. Warm water

2) 1 tbsp. Cold water
1 tsp. Gelatine

3) 1 3/4 Cups Icing sugar
1/3 Cup + 1 tbsp. Corn starch
1 1/2 tsp. Gum Trag.

4) 1 1/2 tsp. Shortening
1 tsp. Glucose OR 1/2 tsp. Light corn syrup

Combine step 1 and let sit until dissolved. Sponge step 2. Sift step 3 into a bowl and make a well. Gently warm step 2 until clear. (DONT OVER HEAT)
Stir in step 4 until shortening is melted, pour into well, add step 1 and start to incorporate sugar mixture. Mix until all dry ingredients are moistened.
Turn out on alightly greaced board and knead for about 5 mins. Paste should be firm. Wrap twice in plastic and let rest in refrigerator for 24hrs.

Bring to room temp. Knead with a bit of shortening to use.

Makes about 1 cup.

Hope this helps.

I order the gum trag from www.sugarcraft.com or you can get it at [url]www.beryls.com[url][/url]