Sweeten your desserts with decorative embellishments like sprinkles.
Adding a bit of decoration to your desserts can help you make a sweet treat even sweeter. Whether you want to convey a certain theme, incorporate personalized elements like monogramming or a favorite color, or simply want to add a bit of sophistication or whimsy to your confections, decorative embellishments can help boost the overall aesthetic appeal of any sugary treat. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Using Molds and Cookie Cutters
You can start decorating your desserts like baked goods before they even hit the oven racks. Pour cake, bread and brownie batters into specially-shaped molds before baking them in the oven; these are frequently available in the baking section of craft and cooking stores. You can also use cookie cutters to shape your cookie dough before baking, or you can use the cutters to creatively slice prepared and cooled treats ranging from brownies to gelatin. Even if you don't own a specialty mold or set of cookie cutters, you can make your own shapes by cutting your baked goods freehand or by placing pre-baked items into interestingly shaped oven-safe containers.
Fondants, Frostings and Glazes
Fondant and gum paste can be tricky to work with for beginners, but the results can be impressive. Roll out your sugar dough to coat all kinds of desserts ranging from delicate pastries to towering cakes; this will create a sleek, professional looking layer that can be decorated even further if desired. You can also coat your desserts with a layer of frosting or glaze, or can pipe these semi-soft materials with a pastry bag to create words, flowers and other intricate designs. Add food coloring to any of these items to punch up the color of your design.
Edible Decorative Embellishments
Aside from the standard fondant and frosting coatings that can be added to a dessert, there are many different edible decorations you could use. For instance, explain to the eater what he is about to bite into without saying a word; embellish the treat with an ingredient used to make it, whether it's a sprig of fresh mint or a whole cookie. You can also use decorative items like sparkly sprinkles or novelty candies to boost the color and playfulness of your decoration design. For an air of sophistication, use sculpted sugar or chocolate as an impressive edible addition to your dessert.
Inedible Decorative Embellishments
While edible decorations offer a tasty addition to a dessert, they can sometimes take away from the overall flavor of the main act. Use inedible items for a decorative touch that won't clutter the flavors of your masterpiece. For instance, during the holidays you could add a sprig of holly to a seasonally themed dessert item. Or, for a child's birthday party, you could add plastic figurines to a cake or cupcakes that will go along with his theme. If you decide to use inedible decorations, inform your guests before they dig in that the embellishments are not intended for consumption.
Tags: your desserts, baked goods, before baking, before they, cookie cutters, Decorative Embellishments, decorative embellishments