What Steamer Brand Do You Recommend For Steaming Fondant?
Decorating By mgostin Updated 4 Jan 2016 , 2:21am by ShoreTea66
I just purchased an inexpensive Conaire from WalMart. It works fine for setting colors on gumpaste and removing powdered sugar off fondant, or applying a soft sheen. I find it invaluable when making gumpaste flowers. In the event it should spit water drops, (tho it hasn't, I was just cautioned that it might), I hold the object at enough of a distance to avoid the drops.
I keep it hanging on a cup hook off the edge of my work table where it is easily accessible.
Jan
I suppose "sheen" isn't exactly the proper word to use. No, it doesn't really stay, but after it dries it appears smoother, cleaner and somehow fresher. If I want a high sheen I use Confectioners Glaze applied from the bottle with a brush, or edible lacquer from a can. For a softer finish, I use super pearl dust applied with a pump brush or soft make-up brush.
My favorite use of the steamer is to set the colors on gum paste flowers. Be careful not to hold the flower in the steam too long or it will soften the petals. Repeatedly dusting and steaming can intensify the color and add a velvety appearance.
If you are looking for various ways to make something shine, here is a list of alternatives you might be interested in. I probably exceeded the scope of your question, but yes, I do find my cheap little Conaire a valuable part of my cake toy collection. :)
Jan
Edible varnish, glazes
1 t. gelatin
3 t. water
1 t. liquid glucose
Sprinkle gelatin in the water. Let stand until it becomes spongy.
Dissolve until clear over hot, not boiling water, Add the liquid
glucose and stir until ingredients are well combined.
Pour this mixture into an airtight container.
The mixture will get very stiff. To use it, heat the varnish in a
container of hot, not boiling, water. Paint onto the item to be varnished while
the mixture is still hot. The edible varnish should NOT be kept in the refrigerator.
piping gel and vodka
Put piping gel in the micowave to soften it and then add vodka to thin it,
the vodka will remove any sticky out of the piping gel just paint it on with
a brush it leaves a great shine
VODKA / CORN SYRUP
50/50 Vodka and corn syrup
LEAF & FLOWER SHINE (Gum Arabic)
In a small jar put 2 T. Water. Sprinkle over top 1 T. Gum Arabic. DO NOT STIR. The next day will be a liquid. You can paint it on leaves for great shine. Color leaves then paint on a light coat with soft brush.
If you have left over, leave lid off and let dry. Next time add little water. Let sit overnight, etc.
PAM
Just spray with a coat of Pam.
AIf I may, steaming cakes is something that most of us groan at. Unless you're trying to remove corn starch marks, or need an actual shiny effect for a purse or shoe that is shiny in real life, don't steam your cakes. It's not a nice effect. Really just trying to be helpful and get you going on a good path.
Milkmaid43: great info on homemade glaze for cakes & flowers. nice tips.
AZCouture: It was quite a shock when I first saw TV cake decorators using the same fabric steamer on fondant cakes, that I use to 'block' my crochet doilies, and knitting. Can't think of a single food that I that shines like nail polish, shoes, or purses. Even cookie glaze doesn't look like a steam blasted fondant.
ADid anyone see the episode of the first "Next Great Baker" when that guy slopped water all over his cake and said he was confident his cake was all that because it looked like "it had been steamed"? I don't like Buddy because he is arrogant but I cracked up when he said something like-dude your cake looks terrible with all that water on it! Thats not going to dry and go away!
If I may, steaming cakes is something that most of us groan at. Unless you're trying to remove corn starch marks, or need an actual shiny effect for a purse or shoe that is shiny in real life, don't steam your cakes. It's not a nice effect. Really just trying to be helpful and get you going on a good path.
Thank you. I appreciate the advice.
Did anyone see the episode of the first "Next Great Baker" when that guy slopped water all over his cake and said he was confident his cake was all that because it looked like "it had been steamed"? I don't like Buddy because he is arrogant but I cracked up when he said something like-dude your cake looks terrible with all that water on it! Thats not going to dry and go away!
That's the only episode I have ever actually fully watched, I think of it every time I see a lacquered up cake, and giggle... He was just so confident.
Can anyone recall the episode that was? Id love to see that!
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