Flower Paste

Ingredients:

25ml (5 teasp) Cold Water
10ml (2 teasp) Powdered Gelatine
450g (1lb/ 4 cups) Icing Sugar
(or 14oz Icing Sugar and 2oz Cornflour)
15ml (3 teasp) Gum Tragacanth
10ml (2 teasp) Liquid Glucose
15ml (3 teasp) White Vegetable Fat (shortening) e.g. Trex
1 Egg White (large) with string removed OR 50ml of Albumen Solution

Method:
1) Measure the cold water into an ovenproof container, sprinkle gelatine over surface and leave for 1 hour
2) Sift the icing sugar into the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer. Sprinkle the gum trag over the surface. Place in a preheated oven (100oC / 200oF / Gas 1/4 ) for about 30 minutes to warm the sugar (or a low microwave setting may be used)
3) Warm the liquid glucose until it is runny. Dissolve the gelatine over hot but not boiling water. Remove from the heat and add the warmed glucose and vegetable fat. Return to a low heat and stir until everything is dissolved and blended
4) Heat the beater of the mixer in the oven or in hot water, dry and place it in the mixer. Place the bowl of warmed sugar in the mixer. Add the dissolved gelatine mixture and the egg white. Cover the bowl with a clean dry cloth and turn the mixer on at the lowest speed. Mix until all ingredients are combined. The paste will be a dull beige colour at this stage
5) Turn the mixer onto the maximum speed. Keeping your arm on the upper arm of the mixer, beat until the mixture is white and stringy
6) Remove the paste from the bowl, place in a clean plastic bag, seal in an airtight container and refrigerate

The paste must be left to mature for 24 hours before use. This recipe is best if made using a heavy-duty mixer
NOTE: If using Albumen solution, little or no heating of the sugar is required. Do not heat the beater

Using Flower Paste
To work the flower paste made by this method, cut off a walnut sized piece and kneed until pliable. If the paste seems crumbly add small amounts of egg white and white fat until the right mixture is reached. When the paste is ready, it should ‘talk’ i.e. it will make a little clicking sound. It must reach the talking stage before cutting or moulding flowers. Flower paste dries out quickly so never cut off more than a very tiny piece for use. A small piece goes a very long way, as it is rolled very thinly