Faux Marble Poured Sugar Centerpiece - sugar

Method

• This is a very simple technique for making an impressing centerpiece.
• First, design your centerpiece.
• I drew 3 artistic shapes onto cardboard and then cut out the shapes to make templates.
• Roll out the PlayDough and cut long ropes that are about an inch wide and 1/2-inch deep.
• Place a silpat baking mat on a baking sheet.
• Using the template as a guide, recreate the shape with PlayDough formed directly on the baking sheet.
• I also used concentric circles to form all of the base pieces of the centerpiece.
• I used 2 (12-inch) cake rings, a 10-inch ring, and an 8-inch ring.
• Lightly coat the inside of each ring with vegetable cooking spray.
• Set the rings on baking sheets covered with silpat baking mats.
• Now you are ready to cook the sugar.
• Place the sugar, vinegar and water in a saucepan over high heat.
• Insert a candy thermometer and cook until the sugar reaches 320 degrees F. Use a pastry brush to keep the inside of the saucepan clean as the sugar cooks or the sugar may recrystallize.
• When the sugar has cooked, add the color.
• I used a whisk to mix in some white color.
• Then, I added red but I did not mix it completely.
• Let the heat of the sugar mix the red.
• Immediately pour the marbled sugar inside the cake rings and inside the PlayDough forms.
• Allow the sugar to cool completely.
• To stick the sugar pieces together, use a blow torch.
• The process is using the flame to gently melt the place where the 2 pieces will be joined.
• I "glued" my largest upright piece to my largest circle.
• Make a few passes with the flame and you will see the sugar start to melt.
• Use that process to put all of the pieces of the centerpiece together.