Symphonies-Pastillage

Third task-pastillage


Pastillage is a mixture of powdered sugar, gelatin, and cornstarch that dries to a porous, rigid form.
With care and patience, it's possible to make very intricate pastillage showpieces, such as detailed flowers, figures, and even delicate architectural details


Recipe to make pastillage 



Ingredients:

• 1 package Plain Gelatin
• 1/2 cup Water
• 5 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 cup Cornstarch

Steps (how to make pastillage

1. If you haven't already, sift the powdered sugar and cornstarch together.
2. Combine water. Sprinkle in the gelatin and stir over low heat until gelatin is completely dissolved.
3. Add the dry ingredients, a small amount at a time, mixing at a low speed with a dough hook attachment ideally (Note: aluminum attachments may turn the pastillage gray.)
4. When all dry ingredients have been mixed in, change to a medium speed until the mixture is light and very white (2-4 minutes.)
5. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap (or remove dough from bowl and wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap) and let sit for 1/2 hour.
6. Roll out with cornstarch and play!

Pastillage Tips:

• Pastillage dries very quickly, so be sure to keep unused portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and work with a small amount at a time.
• Pastillage can be colored with powdered food dye by either adding color to the liquid before mixing or by kneading the desired color into the dough. Do not use water-based dye. You can also use alcohol-based dye to paint the surface of your pastillage figure.
• Knead in cornstarch as necessary.
• Allow 12-24 hours for your pastillage pieces to dry completely before handling (more if humid.)
• Use royal icing as glue to attach your pastillage pieces to each other or to other objects (cakes, gingerbread houses,...) Other options are to thin out some pastillage with a little water or to heat up regular pastillage in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds (careful - this dries especially fast.)

Pastillage cracking


When you've spent a great deal of time making intricate pastillage pieces, it's very frustrating to encounter pastillage cracking. Unfortunately, it happens.
Working quickly with pastillage is the best way to avoid drying and cracking. Still, very fine pastillage showpieces may require sanding with an emery board and that's when cracking or breaking is most likely to occur. Plan for this and make duplicates of any critical pieces just in case.

One tip to avoid pastillage cracking is to allow it to dry on a rigid, absorbent surface.  Rotating the pieces occasionally (and carefully) can help with drying (since the water will sink to the bottom.

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