Please Help!! Gum Paste Numbers

Decorating By TastersDelight Updated 8 Jul 2006 , 1:55am by TastersDelight

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TastersDelight Posted 6 Jul 2006 , 1:04pm
post #1 of 10

Hi,
I'm doing a 50th anniversary cake. I made the numbers 50 out of gumpaste, i've luster dusted them and now when I went to apply them to the cake the 5 has broken. Is there anyway to glue it and dry it quickly?

Thanks
Joanne

9 replies
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mendhigurl Posted 6 Jul 2006 , 2:23pm
post #2 of 10

if you need to it "now" you can use superglue and then reapply your lusterdust. People aren't going to eat it anyway, so it shouldn't be a problem. Just let your customers know They aren't edible.

My concern is, did they crack because they are too thin? They may crack again in transport, if you're delivering, so keep them off until you get there?

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leta Posted 6 Jul 2006 , 9:40pm
post #3 of 10

I suggest royal icing repair,

Next time do Pastillage--dries faster and harder

ALWAYS make an extra set.--stuff breaks.

I have learned the hard way sometimes.

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Somethin-Sweet Posted 6 Jul 2006 , 9:43pm
post #4 of 10

leta- how do you make pastillage? Thanks!

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TastersDelight Posted 6 Jul 2006 , 9:45pm
post #5 of 10

Hi,

Thanks for your responses. Luckily I just need to deliver across street to the neighbor, but I really wanted cake to be perfect as they hem and hawed over the price, I feel like their going to knit pick everything.

It's not due until Saturday morning, how do I make pastillage?

Thanks
Joanne

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leta Posted 6 Jul 2006 , 11:07pm
post #6 of 10

Pastillage:

1 Tbsp Knox unflavored Gelatin
1/4 c. +2 Tbsp Water
4 1/2 c confectioner's sugar

Dissolve gelatin in water by heating slightly in micro til dissolved (do not boil).
Add sugar. Knead til a dough forms. Cover tightly in plastic wrap. Put in ziplock bag and allow to sit overnight or for 24 hrs.

Remove the amount you intend to use. Sprinkle with more donfectioner's sugar and knead just before rolling or shaping. While working keep mixture wrapped in plastic wrap and covered with wet towel.

Dust work surface with light coating of cornstarch.

Work quickly...it hardens fairly fast.

Cut with cookie cutters, pizza cutter, paring knife, or exacto knife. Keep blade clean by wiping on wet towel.


Place on piece of foam to dry so air can get around piece, or flip over after it begins to harden. You can tint the dough, or paint with color after drying.

Drying overnight is ideal, but it will harden pretty quickly.

Also....I substitute the water with white vinegar. (still technically edible, but can make the mixture stronger) Dries so hard, people probably wouldn't eat it anyway. I use it for plaques and decorations especially gingerbread. (see my pics)

I learned a lot about pastillage from Andrew Shotts at OK State Sugar Arts Show. Never thought I'd do an abstract wedding cake topper out of pastillage, but lo and behold, I did for my teal cake in my pics.

Sorry if that is way too much info.

Leta

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luvbakin Posted 6 Jul 2006 , 11:13pm
post #7 of 10

Would you use pastillage for flowers too?

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TastersDelight Posted 6 Jul 2006 , 11:38pm
post #8 of 10

Thank you so much!! Never too much info., guess i'm making pastiallage tonight, thanks!!!

Joanne

oh, how long is it good for?

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leta Posted 7 Jul 2006 , 3:35am
post #9 of 10

Pastillage is too brittle for flowers. You don't want to roll it that thin. It would be too dry before you could shape it anyway. You might want to use the spacers on a fondant roller for even thickness. You can also make a rope and shape that into whatever floats your boat.

The dried pastillage pieces will last forever as long as you keep them dry and don't drop or break them.

The pastillage lasts for probably 6 months or so wrapped in at least 2 layers of plastic wrap inside a ziplock bag. It can dry out, so just try to wrap it well, and check it before you use it to make sure it is still good.

You can hold things together with royal icing, with hot candy syrup at hard crack stage, or Hot Glue (that is what Andrew Shotts usually uses!!! go figure)

Good Luck!

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TastersDelight Posted 8 Jul 2006 , 1:55am
post #10 of 10

thanks for all your help, i finished cakes, there in my album.
Joanne

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