Homemade Christmas Gifts

If you've decided to add sugar art to your list of accomplishments, there are some steps you'll need to take to get there. Sugar art adds the perfect touch to any baked delicacy; however, it does require attention to details. Here are four of the details you should pay attention to when attempting to create the perfect sugar art. 

Protect Uncooked Isomalt

If you're going to be creating sugar art, you need to protect the uncooked isomalt. Store it incorrectly and your isomalt won't cook up properly. Unfortunately, if that happens, your entire project will fail. When storing isomalt, it's important to know that moisture can destroy your entire supply. Because of that, the best way to store your uncooked isomalt is inside an airtight container. Before sealing the container, toss in a packet of food-safe silica. The added moisture protection will help extend the shelf-life of your uncooked isomalt. 

Water Isn't Created Equal

When creating sugar art, it's important to remember that not all water is the same. You may be tempted to reach for the tap water, but that's not going to give you the results you're looking for. Tap water contains minerals that can cause color changes to your isomalt during the cooking phase. For maximum clarity, you want to use distilled water when creating sugar art. Because distilled water doesn't contain the minerals found in tap water, your cooked isomalt will be crystal clear.

Temperature Is Everything

If you're going to be attempting sugar art for the first time, pay close attention to the temperature. Isomalt requires the perfect temperature throughout the cooking process. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to control temperature without the right tools, which is why you'll need a candy thermometer. Once your isomalt reaches the right temperature, you'll want to turn the burner off. However, you'll also want to continue monitoring the temperature, as isomalt will continue to heat up for several seconds, even after the burner has been turned off.

Don't Work Past Consistency

Finally, when creating sugar art, you'll need to work to achieve the right consistency. Too soft and your designs won't hold their shape; too hard and isomalt won't give. To achieve the best outcome with your sugar art, you want your cooked isomalt to be firm but not hard. You should be able to work your isomalt into a design without too much muscle and effort. 

Now that you've decided to create sugar art, use the tips provided here to achieve your desired results.