decorating caramel (for decorative sugar work)

How To Make decorating caramel (for decorative sugar work)

• Step 1
  Combine the sugar, glucose or corn syrup and water in a heavy saucepan. Stir the mixture, then cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Step 2
  Once the mixture boils, brush the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in clean water to remove any sugar crystals stuck to the pan.
• Step 3
  Boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches a golden caramel color (approx. 338°F).
• Step 4
  Remove the pan from the heat and dip the bottom of the pan in a bowl of cold water for 30 seconds to stop the cooking process. If while working with the caramel it begins to harden, reheat it by placing it over low heat.
• Step 5
  TO MAKE SPUN SUGAR: (Prior to making the Decorating Caramel) Lightly oil two 18-inch wooden dowels or wooden-handled spoons. Place them 12 inches apart on a clean worktable so that they extend off the edge of the table approximately 12 inches. Line a few sheet pans with paper and place them under the dowels to catch drips. Prepare the Decorating Caramel. To Make the Threads, dip a whisk approximately 3 inches into the caramel. With a quick flick of the wrist, shake the whisk back and forth over the ends of the dowels. Repeat the process until a mass of threads collects on the dowels. Collect the threads and coil into a nest or other shape. Use to garnish ice cream, cakes, or other desserts.
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