Today's Lesson: Watch out for HOT sugar!

Today was most definitely a day full of sparkle. I'm thrilled with the results and even more excited about how easy it is to make edible sugar gems once you get enough practice. On the down side, I've got 4 burns and two blisters.


I keep hearing in my head the things people would tell me when I'd say I want to learn sugar work... Specifically, all the warnings about sugar burns. The silly things we do when we are determined.


Leaving the dripping cup (I used small mugs and ramekins) too close to your hand is a BAD idea. I'd bump it with my finger, burning hot sugar would promptly adhere and BURN BURN BURN! One lesson learned, don't pick off the hot sugar with your other hand! Grab a towel! Second lesson learned, keep the cup a safe distance from your hands. Third lesson learned, use little plastic medicine cups to fill the molds.

Now my mind is racing with ideas for the applications of all these beauties now that I don't have to pay $7.50 plus shipping for 10 little gems.


Happy Baking!

Bring a little BLING to the party!

It's been such a whirlwind preparing all the elements for the Couture Cake Creator Parties, but I've been loving every moment of it. Everything is so girlie and fun. One thing we want to offer are jewels that the kids can use to make their little mini party cakes. After pricing them online, I quickly realized that the jewels would need to be manufactured by "yours truly" rather than purchased.

My shipment of supplies arrived today and being all impatient and excited, I had to get to work. Here's my first batch of pink gems. I plan to make clear and lavender as well.


I purchased all of my supplies from Country Kitchen Sweet Art.

I went with Isomalt rather than sugar after doing research on both. Isomalt makes a clearer gem and isn't as susceptible to humidity. It wasn't as hard as I thought but I did learn that if you can keep it good and hot while working with it, it's a lot easier. Soon as it cools just a bit, your gems are round instead of full of faceted detail.

If you like the look, try it! My molds came with the recipe and instructions so it wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought it would be.

Happy Baking!