How to:
Sculpting Brooches from Molds
This cake’s sugar brooches, which resemble abstract flowers, were created using silicone molds, which are great for making detailed sugar objects in high volume in little time. I always use sugar paste, not fondant or marzipan, when using these types of molds so that the sculptures hold the shape and texture of the impression. The molds can be bought at various online cake decorating stores (see Resources, page 332). Although silicone molds are a bit of an investment, they will last for ages with proper care and will help add that unique value to your cake designs.
TOOLS:
- coral and peach-toned Sugar Paste (page 59)
- brooch or button silicone molds
- cornstarch in a muslin bag for dusting
- utility knife
- damp tea towel wrapped in plastic wrap (see page 134)
- small and large paintbrush
- variety of pink and coral powdered dyes
- FDA-certified gold dust
- vodka
Knead various coral hues of sugar
paste on a nonstick surface to bring to room temperature. Keep the
pieces individually wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Lightly dust the silicone molds with cornstarch to prevent the
sugar paste from sticking.
Portion out the amount of sugar
paste it takes to fill one mold at a time. The sugar paste should
fill to a little less than the top of the mold. Once you’ve found
the right amount to fill the mold, roll the sugar paste into a ball
until there are no creases. Gently press the sugar paste evenly
into the mold, keeping the edges within the mold. This will help
the sugar paste pick up the minute details of the mold.
Release the sugar paste from the
mold, handling cautiously to avoid dulling any of the detail.
Assuming the mold was dusted with cornstarch, the sugar paste
should come out easily. If the shape isn’t releasing, gently
squeeze the flexible mold back and forth until the shape becomes
loose enough to remove.
Use the utility knife or your
fingers to soften any rough edges.
Use a variety of brooch molds,
alternating colors to make multiple coral shades per mold. Allow
the sugar pieces to dry for at least 48 hours before painting and
handling. Dry-dust the brooches using a paintbrush and pink and
coral powders. Use a small brush to finish off details with painted
accents of gold dust mixed with vodka.