GUM PASTE RECIPE
If you’re into making dramatic decorations for cakes out of gum paste, you may want to consider making your own. This recipe requires a few special ingredients that are sold in specialty cake stores, as well as on the Internet.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
stand mixer
Ingredients
4 cups confectioners’ sugar, finely sifted (reserve 1 cup for later)
1 tablespoon gum tragacanth (or Gum Tex)
1 tablespoon liquid glucose
1 packet Knox powdered gelatin
4 tablespoons warm water
Procedure
1 Pour the water in a large, microwave safe bowl and add gelatin slowly. Stir until gelatin is dissolved in the water.
2 Stir in glucose slowly. Microwave 20-30 seconds to melt the glucose completely.
3 Whisk together 3 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar and the gum tragacanth. Add gradually to the liquid mixture, stirring to integrate.
4 Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Mix on medium speed until a sticky, uniform dough comes together. Double wrap tightly in plastic, place in an airtight container, and allow it to sit overnight.
5 The following day, knead the remaining 1 cup of sifted confectioner’s sugar into the dough. Add additional powered sugar until the dough stops feeling sticky.
6 Store gum paste double wrapped tightly in plastic and sealed in an airtight container.
RECIPE AND PHOTO: Lauren Weisenthal
