How to:

Sculpting 3-D Circle Toppers

The 3-D circle decorations can be a fun detail on their own, but the topper adds an extra dimension to this cake. To create this seamless looking topper, work with the same sugar paste hue that is used to create the 3-D circles.

TOOLS:

• silicone rolling pin
• light green Sugar Paste (page 59)
• small round pastry tip (#01)
• damp tea towel wrapped in plastic wrap (see page 134)
• small paintbrush
• 1:1 mixture of water and corn syrup
• 24-gauge wire
• Royal Icing (page 64)

Knead and roll out a small handful of sugar paste as you did to make the circles, then use the small pastry tip to cut out circles, placing each one in the tea towel as you work.

Working with two circles at a time, dot each one with the water–corn syrup mixture.

Sandwich the two circles on a wire with the wet sides facing each other. Press lightly and lay on a flat surface. Repeat this step a few times on each wire, making sure to cover the top of each wire with dots so the end doesn’t show. Vary the number of dots on each wire in a random pattern. Let dry for 24 hours.

Apply a small amount of royal icing to each dot; attach a 3-D circle (page 258) to each dot. Place the larger circles near the bottom of the wire, getting smaller towards the top. Let dry for 24 hours before using.