candied gem

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I’D LIKE TO THINK OF THIS CAKE as an edible geode rock, with light reflecting through the cavities of sparkling rock candy in two translucent colors, attached to a vivid purple fondant-covered cake. Making rock candy by hand is not only a fun science experiment, but also lets you control the size and color of the crystals; you could also use store-bought rock candy if you don’t have the time or the desire to make your own. Cut the sugar crystals from the twine and crush them into the desired size pieces before applying the candy with royal icing to the surface of the cake. (If you are applying a lot of rock candy, as on this cake, allow the first layer of rock candy and royal icing to dry before layering on more, so that the candy won’t fall off.) Accent the edges by painting them with edible gold dust mixed with vodka to give the candy the glistening appearance that geodes often have.