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How to make Gum paste

Gum paste is similar to fondant except it contains an extra ingredient which is tylose to make the fondant harden. Gum paste is great for making sugar flowers and figures for cakes. It is made with powdered sugar, vegetable shortening and egg whites or meringue powder, a composition similar to royal icing.
Like royal icing, gum paste dries completely through so it can be rolled thin and hold the shape and fine details in cake decorations. Hardened gum paste is brittle and can crack easily, so all gum paste decorations must be handled with care. 

Ingredients
  

  • 65 grams large egg whites
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 370 grams icing sugar
  • 100 grams icing sugar (extra for kneading)
  • 11 grams tylose powder
  • 10 grams vegetable shortening

Instructions
 

  • Whisk the egg whites with hand or stand mixer at medium speed.
  • Keep whisking and add the salt.
  • Gradually add the icing sugar.
  • Add the tylose powder and keep mixing with a spatula till the mixture becomes like a dough. 
  • Spread about half of the extra icing sugar on the mat.
  • Place the dough like mixture on it and add the shortening.
  • Keep kneading and adding more icing till gum paste is not sticky to touch. 
  • Roll the gum paste and place in the zip lock or airtight bag and put into an airtight container.
  • Store in the fridge and let it set for 24 hours before use. 

Notes

  • Gum paste becomes hard but let it sit at room temperature to soften and give it another knead.