Cake Decorating Using Wafer (rice) Paper

[htc]

Hi, I just picked up a book at my local library that shows how to make decorations using rice paper. Has anyone ever done this? It requires something called piping gel, which I don't have. Thinking about picking some up to give it a try. Do you know if piping gel can be used for other stuff and if it has a long shelf life? Thanks!!

 

[marmalady]

Here's a great site for decorating supplies that explains piping gel -

http://www.sugarcraft.com/catalog/misc/food.htm#p-gel

Looks like the stuff you can get in the supermarket. Don't have any experience with either it or the rice paper - but the paper sounds interesting! Good luck!

 

[PA Baker]

Piping gel is like what you get at the grocery store but better, so don't try to substitute. The grocery store stuff is a lot more runny and gloppy.

If you have a Michael's or another craft store around you, I know Wilton carries it.

Piping gel can be used for writing or other decorating right on the cake in addition to the rice paper technique (which is fun!). You can also mix it with butter cream to make a decorating icing that's lighter in color (pastel) and consistency (good for writing).

 

[htc]

Thanks! I just tried cutting out the a rice paper design last night. I'm surprised that it actually worked. I thought the paer would be too brittle. I might pick some gel up.

 

[marmalady]

BTW, if you go to the site above - fair warning - keep your credit card firmly locked up somewhere! Lots of goodies!

 

[auzzi]

Trace a pattern onto the rice paper. Use the coloured piping gels to "colour" and "fill-in" the pattern.

After frosting your cake, lay the finished "art-work" on the cake.. The icing will dissolves the paper over time, but even so, it is edible.

 

[cdmcake]

Can you get rice paper at the regular grocery store? If so, what section?