GENERAL HELP FILES

Q. What do you use to paint silver and gold onto chocolate?
A. Lemon extract or liquor - anything colorless with alcohol in it - highest alcohol ratio the better. Just like painting on fondant or gumpaste

Coloring Dusts were developed for the cake decorating industry,Disco, Mystical, Petal, Pearl, Luster, Metallic, Sparkle Dusts contain only ingredients that are NON-TOXIC and are ideal for use on gumpaste or rolled fondant flowers, plaques, lettering, chocolates, etc. They present a range of creative color possibilities and the opportunity to achieve color of unique liveliness and impact. Not food approved in the U.S.A. but are non-toxic or harmful to eat, the same as silver dragees we've used for years. Or like kids eating their crayons...they don't harm them, it just is not food nor nutricious in any way. These have been used extensively in Europe for many years. Dusts are not a food additive and should not be considered as such. Intended for use in the dry form, any of the powders may also be mixed with oil based flavorings, piping gel or alcohol for painting and highlighting.

For a more permanent application, liquefy with Tylose gum glue or confectioners glaze.

Each type of Dust creates a different effect.

Please note those colors indicated by * contain Iron Blue or Chromium Oxide and must be labeled "for decorative use only".

MAKING GOLD COINS: I use the coin mold, and mold them in dark chocolate, then dust gold luster dust (old gold) over the top. Dust them with the dry powder, don't mix it with vodka or anything. Or you can buy the gold foiled wrapped ones too at just about any grocery store. Brenda

Q: What is the best thing to mix gold highlighter dust with to paint on gumpaste?
I need to paint a mask for an upcoming cake and, after I thought about it, realized I've never used the gold dust to paint with!
.
From ts in tx: Mix with: Everclear, gin, or vodka in that order.
.
From HC: ...cheap white booze! Everybody who's done a book recommends extracts but I hate using those because they have oil in them and of course they never fully dry. I prefer straight alcohol....dries quick & has the same effect as an extract, plus of course you don't taste the extract. (Tried painting with lemon extract on chocolate??? All you taste is bitter lemon chocolate.... YUCK!!!) I prefer to use white rum.... works the same as vodka but it just smells a bit nicer when you're working with it, especially if you have to do it @ 7am! 7am & vodka smell don't mix. So basically, use any *clear* (and when I say clear I mean *cheap*) alcohol. It'll dry in 5 minutes or so. As you said you've never *painted* before..... using straight alcohol might produce lines in your finished dried product.....don't fret. When dry all you do is brush over those lines lightly with a dry makeup brush or even a wadded up little ball of cheesecloth very lightly and they disappear.
.
I do secretly work for the Acme Superfine Cheesecloth Co....they're located in Go Home, Manitoba, at the corner of Middle and Nowhere Streets. Although I guess it's a secret no longer!
.
Actually, no, it's just really useful stuff for all kinds of cake deco things. Makes good looking leather etc., but for this purpose if you can't find cheesecloth for buffing (works well painting on fondant too if you don't have an airbrush) you can also use *j-cloth* brand cloths which are of a similar weight and will do the same job for buffing. :o)

Q.  I can't quite wrap my mind around what you're saying about using the cheesecloth for painting on fondant if you don't have an airbrush...do you mean you dip a wad of it in the color, and brush it on? Dab it on? And is it instead of a paintbrush? (Yeah, I did get that it's instead of an airbrush; I know you can use a paintbrush instead of an airbrush) but beyond that, all I get is a buzzing noise from my brain. Been a long week.
A.  If fondant's been sitting a bit it forms an outer crust, and that's practically impossible to paint on precisely with colour & alcohol because it's not as absorbant and causes drips. If you're trying painting on freshly done fondant it's not really an issue though. So for crusted fondant cheesecloth wadded up in a ball (or wrapped around the end of a paintbrush), dipped in colour then painted works well because the cheesecloth is absorbant and doesn't allow for any dripping. Hope that makes sense,
.
Q. Is there a "ratio" of dust to vodka, or do you just "wing" it ?
A. I started with a teaspoons and added dust until it was a paint-like consistency. If it is too thin, you'll see that it is leaving thin spots and gaps.
.
From Marida: Airmaster Airbrush: You can airbrush petal dusts through it by adding Everclear to a small bottle of dust. I use the 2 oz. bottles and add one container of the dust. You can practice with the airbrush by using some designed paper towels and filling in the designs. There are also some good books by Carol Faxon on airbrushing. Everclear. This is 100% pure grain alcohol. You can use Vodka and some use lemon extract. I like the Everclear but you do have to buy it in a liquor store. I always wonder what my customers think when they come in and see a bottle of that stuff on my counter, illegal in some states. check your local (if you have one) liquor store.
QUESTION: How much vodka to how much petal dust? I have an airbrush?
REPLY: (From George Fowler) - I put 2 containers of dust in a 2 oz plastic bottle and then fill it with vodka. I used to use 3 containers of dust in a 2 oz bottle but found that 2 works fine.  Remember to shake the bottle very well each time before you but it into the airbrush cup.
QUESTION: George,  Do you have to use the whole 2 oz at one time or can you store it? Does the vodka evaporate?
REPLY: I use what I need and save it for the next time. If the lid is on tight it will not evaporate. Just remember when you use it again you will have to shake it well.
.
Mon Apr 16 08:37:24 2001
     I saw Michelle P. mention that she sprays on dusts with her airbrush by mixing them with Vodka, or lemon extract. I tried the Vodka mix this  weekend, and although it worked great, I detected a slight flavor on the fondant left by the vodka. I can imagine this would happen with extract as   well. Does anyone else ever notice this? Is there anything else I can use? I'm assuming the dust would just clump up in water, so I couldn't use  that?

PJ said she uses grain alcohol...called Everclear?!? (I don't want to sound stupid...but I know NOTHING about alcohol!!) I think the alcohol content  it SO HIGH in this stuff that to use this it would be tasteless....am I right or wrong gals?!?! ;o)

Had a few "Purple Passions" in college (grape flavored Everclear), but couldn't tell you what it tastes like straight. When you use it for your  airbrushing like you mentioned, does the alcohol evaporate after a while?? Wouldn't want to serve the cake to 8-year-olds if it doesn't. :-)

from what I understand...  the alcohol content is so high in that, that it evaporates quickly and leaves no taste like the extract, and vodka can...(I'm sure the stuff straight tastes like something!!) PJ needs to field this one...I think this is the route she goes, and she would know if it leaves an "aftertaste" or doesn't    evaporate completely to be safe.

FROM PJ: Yes, I use Everclear, no it does not leave a taste, it evaporates so fast it never really hits the cake, only the dust does..LOL and the actual taste,  well....I tasted it once and lost all feeling in my lips and tongue for a couple hours!
     My Airbrush can have a bottle attached, so I mix about a quarter teaspoon of pearl dust with about 2 tablespoons of everclear, or till the dust is  swirly in the jar, then spray it on. If you can not use a jar on your brush, mix it in a baby food jar or a jar with a lid, then pour it in the cup as  needed...why the lid, because if you don't keep it sealed, it will evaporate before your eyes! I'M NOT KIDDING! LOL! Good luck!

Q. I've never tried it in my kopykake airbrush for fear of clogging...anyone have that problem?

A. I have a kopykake airbrush too, and it works great. Just clean it well after you are done...(I spray hot water through mine several times until it sprayes clear). I have done it many times, and it works great! ;o)

George Fowler
Re: Airbrushing luster dust etc.
     I mix two containers of luster dust in a 2 oz bottle filled with vodka. I use a higher pressure when using this mixture so that it won't clog up the needle. The cup does empty faster than with regular airbrush colors but I am able to get most things covered re-filling the cup 3 0r 4 times (depends how large the flower or bow being covered.) Just remember to shake well each time before you fill the airbrush cup. You refill the cup more often but the results are worth it.

FROM PJ: Only time it ever clogged on me was when I was using canned air, but I think it was because the can was getting low and the pressure wasn't as  strong. I have a compressor now and no problems what so ever. I also clean my brush well after, I run hot water through and use airbrush cleaner  now and then. One caution...hehehe...make sure you do this in an area where its well covered with toweling or some surface protection...or where  you don't mind if your cupboard doors have a pretty "sparkle" to them when the sun hits them..LOL OH another note, always keep the cap on  the bottle of Everclear, it will evaporate!
    Funny true story....My Girlfriends daughter was dying to see what Everclear tasted like, so she got a shot  glass , pour a tiny amount in it and turned to put the cap back on the bottle...well, she picked up the shot glass and it was empty! She did this  three more times before realizing that the time it took her to replace the cap on the bottle, the liquid in the shot glass was evaporating! LOL so  moral of the story, don't worry about it getting your cake wet or soaking in to much...it will evaporate before it ever hits the cake! Someone  mentioned not serving it to kids...mine eat cake thats been airbrushed all the time..LOL..haven't seen either drunk yet!

Subject: Responses to Pearl Dust on Chocolate
I am trying to figure out how I apply lustre or pearl dust on white chocolate suckers to create a pearlized effect, How do I get the lustre dust to adhere to the chocolate?  Someone suggested using corn syrup or alcohol but wouldn't this make the chocolate sticky? sHELLY

From:   Missjcakes
I just use plain luster dust brushed on with a large brush.  It helps if your white chocolate has been freshly molded, it seems to stick better.

From:   Robin506
You can just brush pearl/luster dust on the chocolate pieces after they are molded.  I put the pearl dust on the brush very sparingly, and just brush back and forth.  You can add more to the brush if you wish the pearl to be shiny-er.  It looks beautiful.  The gold dust on milk or dark chocolate is fabulous also.

You can also take lemon extract and mix with the luster dust of your choice to paint it on, but I find this is not necessary with the pearl.  That is more appropriate with the gold and silver.

From:   JINX1105
I just wait until the chocolate has cooled just a bit or is almost set- yet still tacky- before applying the lustre.  When doing a hot item like tuiles, I apply sugar nibs right after shaping and while still hot. Allison

From:   proicer@one.net (Webmaster for www.sugarcraft.com)
Pearl dust on chocolate 'idea' came from my web site.
Please go to Candy Molds / Miscellaneous candy molds and there are pictures with the 2" plain sucker molds on that page. Otherwise, go to Http://w3.one.net/~proicer/index.html and then to the message board there and ask for advice. Helenoh wo writes on the candy subject can help.
Dolores at http://www.sugarcraft.com

From:   sweetexpress@wctel.net (kathy scott)
Finally something I can answer. I really enjoy the emails for help and the answers. I am glad I can contribute again.

We use pearl dust on chocolate's quite often.  We just brush it on dry.
The metallic dust work the best.  I know some will email and say the dust  are not to be eaten. I have heard pros and cons on both sides. I have finally decided if they are non-toxic they are not going to give you any nutritional value similar to Crayons used by children.  If they are non-edible, them they should not be eaten and I try not to use these at all. Kathy Scott

From:   edblart@mindspring.com
Just brush it on dry as you would onto gum paste flowers.  Chocolate takes petal and lustre dust beautifully.
Keith Ryder

From:   Cakecolet
you dont need to add anything to pearl dust to get it to adhere to chocolate,,,just brush it on dry and it will stick -Colette

From:   cakegal@cakegallery.com (Vicky Harlen)
I have used pearl dust on chocolate in several ways.  One is simply to brush it on, you want to be sure you shake of any excess dust from the brush. Using a brush it is hard to get an even coating when doing a larger area, but it works great if you are only highlighting something, like a raised part. My favorite way to do it to cover larger areas evenly is to use an airbrush, (an Aztek works best), mix the pearl dust with a Vodka or some other clear spirit and spray them.  Remember to keep the dust and liquor moving as the dust will settle to the bottom.

From:   slampkin@globalnet.co.uk (Sheila Lampkin)
from Sheila Lampkin Cake Craft and Decoration
Re lustre on chocolate
I believe a light smearing of white fat would do the trick Jems Petal Base or coconut oil

From:   binsted@erols.com (Marida Binsted)
I use petal dust on white chocolate when I make my seashell cake.  It is very easy and effective.  Just paint it on with a small paint brush.I do not use lemon juice or alcohol with it.Marida

From:   beryls@beryls.com (Beryl Loveland)
Dust your chocolate molds with the pearl dust first, add melted chocolate and set up as usual.   This seems to work fine - I have done it many times when making chocolate sea shells.   You can add mutiple colours for different effects..Beryl

From: Diane Shavkin
From:   BEACAKE
I have the plastic molds (candy) for many shapes of sea shells, urchins, horses, and the like.  They work well to make candies from.  As far as the coral goes, in Colettes' book of Wedding Cakes on page 40 there is coral, she suggests using royal icing and the pattern in the book, SIMPLE to do.  You need this book......Lots of cool ways to make shells or things related. Name of cake is Coral Reef.

From Marida:
When I make the seashell cake I use different seashell molds and melt white chocolate and put that into the molds.  Pop them into the freezer for a few minutes, unmold them and then dust them with various colors of petal and pearl dust.  Real easy and effective.  I am forwarding a couple of cakes with seashells on them.

From this website: http://www.fda.gov/ora/compliance_ref/cpg/cpgfod/cpg545-200.html
Sec. 545.200 Confectionery Decorations (Nutritive and Non-Nutritive) (CPG 7117.03)

 BACKGROUND:
 *The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act contains a specific prohibition against the presence of a non-nutritive substance in confectionery (section
 402(d)(3)). Although there is no outright prohibition against the presence of non-nutritive substances in other foods, section 402(b) is applicable in
 determining the legality of the addition of non-nutritive substances in other food products.*

 POLICY:

 Decorative cake letters, etc., consisting of sugar and albumen are considered confectionery under the act and must be labeled in compliance with the Federal
 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act.

 *Some candleholders and other cake decorations are made from sugar and albumen with an inserted metal wire. When these decorations are sold in a
 manner not implying they are a food or confectionery, they are not regarded as food within the meaning of the act.*

 When small silver balls known as "silver dragees" are sold exclusively for decorating cakes and are used under conditions which preclude their consumption
 as confectionery, they are not considered to be in the category of a food or confectionery.

 Silver colored almonds have been offered for cake decoration. In this regard, the *Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition* has stated:

 "Although, the articles (silver colored almonds) may be intended for cake decoration, we do not agree that they are dragees; further, we see no compelling
 information that the articles are to be used for decorative purposes only and thus would not be eaten. There is no authority under the color additive regulations
 which permits silver to be used as a color. Neither is there a food additive regulation (or exemption) authorizing silver as a food coating."

 REGULATORY ACTION GUIDANCE:
 Recommend seizure or detain all shipments of silver coated (or silver colored) almonds, and any other silver coated food articles not confined to decorative
 use only.

 Detentions should charge the article is violative within the meaning of Section 801(a)(3) of the act in that it appears to be adulterated, since it appears to bear
 silver, a color additive, which is unsafe within the meaning of Section 721(a) of the act.

 NOTE: See Sec. 515.100 (CPG 7105.01) for a statement of policy on non-nutritive substances as ingredients of confectionery.

 SPECIMEN CHARGE:
 *The article was adulterated when introduced into, while in, and is adulterated while held for sale after shipment in interstate commerce within the meaning of  said Act 21 U.S.C. 342(c) in that it contains a color additive, namely silver, which is unsafe within the meaning of 21 U.S.C. 376(a), since there is not in
 effect a regulation or exemption issued pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 376 permitting use of this color additive.*

 *Material between asterisks is new or revised.*

 Issued: 1/19/77
 Reissued: 10/1/80
 Revised: 4/1/81, 6/27/88