Ok everyone, I am trying a new-to-me technique. I am going to be experimenting with gelatin to see how I can apply it to my cake decorating. I have been doing some reading up, and I will have to let you know how it goes.
So far, I have made some flowers and some butterflies...then I threw away some flowers and some butterflies, because I made them to thin and they shriveled up. Then I made some thicker flowers and butterflies, and so far so good. This is the recipe I am using if you would like to try it yourself.
Gelatin for flowers and butterflies
1 tablespoon Knox or other brand gelatin (plain), not Jell-0 brand
2-1/2 tablespoons cool water
Molds for making flowers or butterflies
Paint brush with soft bristles that won't pull out
In a small microwave safe container combine the gelatin and water. Let this mixture "bloom" or sit for 5 minutes. Heat in the microwave for 5-10 second intrevels until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove from the microwave and let it rest until the all the "scum" raises to the top (about 5-10 minutes). The scum is the part that looks like melted marshmallows. Peel the scum off the top. You may need to reheat at this point. It should be about the consistency of fingernail polish. Brush the gelatin into the molds until you have a medium thickness (you don't want it to thin, but you don't want it to thick either). You will have to play with it a bit to find the right thickness. If your gelatin becomes to thick to work with, just pop it back in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.
I tried painting on a silicone mat the first time around, and I got them to thin. I tried another batch though, and it was ok. I also tried painting some on a sheet of glass...wow...the clear gelatin is so thin you could use it for bees wings, dragonfly wings, butterflies wings, fairy wings. It would also work for windows in houses or car decorations.
You gotta try this stuff. I'm thinking up new ways of using at warp speed.
Oh, and I just want to throw in there...don't store your decorations in a sealed air-tight container...they WILL mold. Just put them in a styrofoam container or cardboard box. They will be fine for days, so you can make them ahead of time. If you have leftover gelatin, store it the same way. When you are ready to use it again, just pop it in the microwave.
Ok, here is an update on the gelatin. I really love working with the stuff. But, I didn't realize that it would shrink up like it did. I started out with a butterfly cookie cutter about 2X3 inches and the gelatin shrunk, and I ended up with a butterfly about 1X2 inches. So, if you want a bigger butterfly plan accordingly. I also painted some on a sheet of glass, OMG this stuff would be wonderful for fairy wings, butterflies wings, bees wings, dragonflies wings. I really must find the time to play some more with this stuff.
ReplyDeleteOh, I meant to add also...you can see a picture of the gelatin butterflies in my slideshow, as well as, the fondant ones I made with royal icing bodies.
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