How to make a kitten from mastic for a cake? - briefly
Creating a kitten from mastic for a cake requires careful shaping and detailing. To begin, roll out the mastic to a thin, even layer and cut out the basic shapes needed for the kitten's body, head, ears, and tail. Use food coloring to add realistic details such as eyes, nose, and whiskers. Assemble the pieces, allowing the mastic to dry slightly for better adherence. Ensure all parts are securely attached before placing the kitten on the cake.
How to make a kitten from mastic for a cake? - in detail
Creating a kitten figurine from mastic for a cake is a delightful way to add a charming touch to your baked goods. Mastic, a sugar-based edible paste, is versatile and easy to mold, making it an excellent choice for intricate cake decorations. Follow these detailed steps to craft a adorable kitten from mastic.
First, ensure you have all the necessary materials. You will need:
- White mastic
- Food coloring (black, pink, and any other colors you prefer for additional details)
- A rolling pin
- A sharp knife or cutting wheel
- Toothpicks
- Small paintbrushes
- Cornstarch or powdered sugar for dusting
- A kitten template or a reference image
Begin by preparing your workspace. Cover your work surface with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the mastic from sticking. Dust the surface lightly with cornstarch or powdered sugar to make it easier to roll out the mastic. Knead the white mastic until it is soft and pliable. If the mastic is too hard, you can soften it by kneading it with a small amount of water or glycerin. Divide the mastic into small portions, each corresponding to the different parts of the kitten you will create. Typically, you will need pieces for the body, head, ears, legs, and tail.
Start with the head. Take a small piece of mastic and roll it into a ball, then flatten it slightly to form an oval shape. Use the template or reference image to guide the size and shape. For the ears, create two small triangular shapes and attach them to the top of the head using a bit of water as glue. Allow the head to set for a few minutes to firm up.
Next, create the body. Roll out a slightly larger piece of mastic into an oval shape, making it slightly flatter and wider than the head. Attach the head to the body by placing a small amount of water on the connecting points and pressing gently. Set the body aside to firm up.
For the legs, roll out four small, thin pieces of mastic and shape them into cylindrical forms. Attach the legs to the underside of the body, positioning them appropriately. The tail can be made from a thin, elongated piece of mastic, shaped to your liking and attached to the back of the body. Allow the entire figure to set for a few more minutes.
Now, add the details. Use food coloring to create the desired colors for the kitten's features. For example, mix a small amount of black food coloring with a bit of mastic to create the eyes and nose. Use a toothpick to draw fine details like whiskers and mouth. Apply these details using a small paintbrush or toothpick, ensuring they are securely attached.
To add color to the kitten, you can paint the mastic with diluted food coloring or dust it with edible lustre dust. Allow the kitten to dry completely before handling. This may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the humidity and temperature of your workspace.
Once the kitten is completely dry, it is ready to be placed on your cake. Use a small amount of mastic or royal icing to attach the kitten to the cake, ensuring it is securely placed. Your mastic kitten is now a charming addition to your cake, sure to delight anyone who sees it.