Piping Gel

By mariannefeldman

www.craftsy.com/blog/2015/06/how-to-make-piping-gel/?cr_linkid=fb_166164776763382_20170606_ujnfHhTw&cr_maid=77626&cr_medium=Social+Engagement&cr_source=Facebook

USES FOR PIPING GEL
EDIBLE GLUE

Piping gel is really, really sticky, so the most obvious use for it is to glue things together! It has a long dry-time, so it's easy to reposition decor elements when you're using piping gel as the adhesive.

Another added bonus is that piping gel is clear, unlike royal icing or chocolate, so it can be used in places where the adhesive might be visible. It's also easily tinted to match the color of the items you want to stick together.
Piping gel is an essential ingredient to have on hand when working with wafer paper. Use the gel to glue flower petals together, stick cut paper elements onto a fondant covered cake, or when creating a wafer paper flower arrangement.
THINNING CRUSTING BUTTERCREAM

Adding a small amount of piping gel to crusting buttercream will help make the icing smoother and prevent it from crusting as quickly as it would otherwise. This can be helpful when piping intricate patterns or buttercream flowers.

ADDED SHINE

Piping gel is perfect for adding sheen to fondant covered cakes or decorations. Use it as-is, or thin it down with a little but of vodka before brushing on. Thinning the gel down first with alcohol helps give your work a more even sheen with fewer visible brush strokes.
Brush piping gel onto a stained glass cake for a slick, glassy sheen.
Next time you make a fruit tart, flavor some piping gel with clear vanilla extract or lemon juice and brush it onto the cut fruit. This not only adds a beautiful shine, but helps preserve the fruit, keeping the tart fresher longer.
A DECOR ELEMENT

Tinted piping gel can be used to pipe lines, dots, or messages onto a cake design. It's also the perfect medium for adding a water to a pool or beach cake.
WHIPPED CREAM STABILIZER

Add 2 Tbsp of piping gel for every 4 cups of heavy cream used. Add the gel after you've whipped the cream and sugar to soft peaks. The cornstarch in the piping gel will help keep the whipped cream stable at room temperature for longer periods of time.

Ingredients

• INGREDIENTS:
• PIPING GEL
• Yields 1/2-cup
• 1/4-cup cold water
• 1/4-cup corn starch
• 1/2-cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp clear flavor extract (optional)
• Gel food coloring (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

STEP 1:
Combine the cold water and corn starch in a heat-proof container. Whisk until no cornstarch lumps remain. Whisk in the corn syrup until combined.

STEP 2:
*from comments: Hi! Yes, this will definitely work on the stove top. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat while stirring until it comes to a boil. Once it boils it’s done. It’s that easy! Hope this helps. ?

Orig posted method:
Microwave for 2-3 minutes on high, stopping every minute or so to stir. The mixture will bubble up and boil before thickening to the consistency of hair gel. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before adding flavoring or color.

STEP 3:
If the piping gel becomes too thick, add a tiny amount of water until you achieve your desired consistency. Store piping gel refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three months.