Reddit mentions: The best food coloring

Mix and match as you see fit :)

This will add some detail to the sides of cakes. I like it more than the Wilton one (that is not textured) it’s thinner so it leaves a sharper edge.

https://www.amazon.com/Ateco-1447-Decorating-Icing-Smoother/dp/B0000VOOXI/ref=sxbs_bbp_recs_sx_m_p_v1?keywords=wilton+turntable&pd_rd_i=B0000VOOXI&pd_rd_r=1dd000e0-6a20-47aa-a7eb-1430dd1e605c&pd_rd_w=lxEhH&pd_rd_wg=2lLOU&pf_rd_p=c76ba563-2cae-47e4-929a-947a3c225819&pf_rd_r=62XTE33MCSK5G4ATB62S&qid=1572799240

Turn table: there are “better ones” but much more expensive. This is my favorite Wilton one. It’s elevated- which makes it easier to pick up larger cakes off of it. Also if you are piping on the side it’s a little taller so you don’t have to crouch so low.

https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Trim-n-turn-Decorating-Turntable-Supplies/dp/B00AQ7ISMO/ref=mp_s_a_1_32?keywords=wilton+turntable&qid=1572799358&sr=8-32

9” offset spatula. Wilton changed their handles a while ago.. and I think the new metal blade is too flexible on the new ones- I don’t find the new ones as comfortable and don’t think they do as good of a job. So I like the old ones (couldn’t find one) or these Ateco ones.


https://www.amazon.com/Ateco-1305-75-Inch-Stainless-Dishwasher/dp/B0000VLEU4/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=wilton+9+inch+angled+spatula&qid=1572799468&sprefix=wilton+9%E2%80%9D+i&sr=8-7

Cake Leveler: this will help greatly with getting nice flat tops- even if her cakes dome. The Wilton one is a great one for the price, and for smaller cakes. For larger cakes, skip the large version and get a bigger than you think serated knife. Living the dream is the 3rd option... the Agby double blade!

https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Leveler-Small-10-Inch-415-0165/dp/B007E8KCFY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=wilton+cake+leveler%2C+small%2C+10-inch&qid=1572799751&sprefix=wilton+cake+level&sr=8-3

Style of knife: may be able to get at restaurant supply store


https://www.amazon.com/Mercer-Culinary-M23210-Millennia-10-Inch/dp/B000PS1HS6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=serated+knife+large+10&qid=1572799849&sr=8-3


Out of budget and not needed for her.. but a dream!

http://www.agbayproducts.com/agbay-double-blade



Tips. I recommend Wilton to start because most blogs will say “use Wilton tip 1M” and it’s easier to get use to the tips. This case stores everything easy.

https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Decorating-Piping-Tip-Piece/dp/B00C4UH6XI/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=wilton+tip+set&qid=1572799964&sprefix=wimton+tip&sr=8-4

Couplers. Skip Wilton ones if (the plains white once’s if you get in a kit are fine... ) but these are better: you don’t need a million but 4-8 is nice. Basically you want one for each color of icing you put on cake so you can change tips. So instead of two bags of icing you just have on.. and can change the tip to make vines, then another tip for leaves, and a larger tip for writing.

https://www.amazon.com/Ateco-398-Standard-Couplers-Decorating/dp/B00272GS64/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=ateco+coupler&qid=1572800119&sr=8-3

Bags. Any count is fine- but 50-100 would be best. I like the 100 count because it’s easier to remove / store in the box it comes in.

12” for decorating

18” for icing the whole cake.

https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-2104-1249-Decorating-Tools-count/dp/B00096ZTRY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=wilton+disposable+decorating+bags&qid=1572800239&sprefix=wilton+dispo&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyN0lRNUFCTjdFSldLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTA1MTI2MTZVNlpCUkRQWjFOUyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjE0MjE1M1JPVk9ZWkJJTE9XQSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Gel colors:

If you go Wilton:
These are awesome: you can get them in primary, pastel, and neon. I like them because you can just squeeze into the icing instead of the old way of dipping into a pot.

https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Neon-Gel-Food-Color/dp/B01KO6NAM4/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=wilton+gel+color&qid=1572800403&sr=8-5


A better overal brand:

Americolor: the best thing is you can buy much large qty of colors so if you always use red.. you can buy 8 oz instead of 1 oz.

https://www.amazon.com/Coloring-AmeriColor-Student-Bottles-Colors/dp/B00KCUXRLC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=americolor+gel+food+coloring&qid=1572800488&sprefix=americolor+&sr=8-3


You don’t need to buy every color because you can mix basic colors to dial in an exact shade.



Anything Wilton you can buy at joanns, michaels, hobby lobby. Make sure you use coupons!

Another option is you can sign her up for a decorating basics class at joanns or Michaels. It’s been a while since I taught- and it’s gift that will end up costing her money (you have to make cake and icing 3 out of 4 weeks of class- and she will probably want to buy extras). You can buy her the basic course 1 kit- but she’s still need to buy other things and i told my students to expect to pay about $100 all in with Wilton supplies, using some coupons, ingredients and extras. They could do it for less... or a hell of a lot more.

I made a pdf for my students with resources, color charts to mix icing, recipes if you’d like me to send you a copy.

Also, check out sweet sugar belle’s website. Lots of inspiration for cookies!

What city are you close to? I can search for a good cake decorating store- not chain that sells things like 1 box for cupcakes or 1 board for a cake.. you can pick up some small but super helpful things for a few dollars.

This is a recipe I tweaked slightly from the restaurant I used to work at.

2 1/2 cups ap flour

1/2 cup semolina

3 egg yolks

2 large whole eggs (large is the industry standard)

1-2oz whole milk (good slash)

splash olive oil

salt

Combine using standard pasta process. This recipe can be finicky though, and sometimes I have to add an extra egg depending on how moist the flour is and other factors. The original recipe from my chef at the time called for all all purpose flour, which is all well and good if you use only whole eggs. I found that using only ap flour caused the dough to be slightly to wet and a bit soft, not matter what I adjusted. So I decided to add a touch of semolina to help dry the dough a bit and give it the structure that it needs to hold its shape well. I also bumped up the egg yolks a bit because I personally enjoy a rich, eggy pasta. The milk in this recipe also adds more fat and richness as well as more protein to help develop the structure.

If you were looking for exotic colors and flavors and whatnot, a few things come to mind. Spinach Powder will make your pasta green and obviously give a mild spinach flavor. Squid ink will make it black which looks really cool. Tomato powder will obviously make it red and give a mild tomato flavor.

edit: words

I used this. Mixed a bit of it with a few drops of vodka and used a little paint brush I have reserved for food (my first time using it actually!) and just tapped it with my hand. There were definitely gold flecks flying a bit everywhere but I’m happy with the outcome!

One tip, put some wax paper under a cooling rack and put your macaron shells on that for much easier clean up.

Used vodka because it dries super fast so the moisture doesn’t damage the shells, but some people use clear rum or even rose water. FYI I’m not a pro or anything, I learned what I know from Instagram and YouTube videos, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

My recipe:

Mix 5 tsp yeast and 1 3/4 cups of warm water together, let sit for 5 minutes. Mix in 1/2 cup oil, 1 cup sugar, 1 tbsp salt (I use kitchen aid mixer). Then add in 5 whisked eggs, one by one. Then add 8 cups of flour, one cup at a time. Allow at least a few minutes for flour to mix in well. If dough still looks wet after 8 cups (if its still sticking to the side or the bottom), add in 1/4 cup flour at a time until no longer sticky. I normally add in about 1/2 cup more, sometimes less sometimes more. Allow to rise at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. If you need to refrigerate it overnight, punch down the dough and then store it in the refrigerator overnight. Cover it with Saran wrap so that it doesn't dry out. Take out challah dough from refrigerator about 3 hours before you plan to braid it so that it has time to warm up to room temperature.

For coloring:

We used this: https://www.amazon.com/McCormick-Food-Colors-Neon-0-25/dp/B000V89GEW/ref=asc_df_B000V89GEW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241990299491&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1455823531753279850&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031300&hvtargid=pla-583650341205&psc=1

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And this: https://www.google.com/shopping/product/6434487604899626170?biw=1280&bih=561&q=gel+tube+food+coloring&oq=gel+tube+food+coloring&prds=epd:13820419090589240314,prmr:3&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwidxLGY5LDjAhVIqp4KHXocAn8Q8wIIlwM

​

Add the colors before the egg/flour step. If you need to add colors after adding flour, its better to add it in when the dough is still wet and allow the added color to mix in as much as possible.

For red: use the Betty Crocker red

For orange: mix the McKormick pink and the Betty Crocker yellow

For green: Mostly McKormick green, add a little Betty Crocker green to darken it (that's what we did)

Blue: same as green

Purple: Use McKormick purple (I don't think we added anything else)

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To braid: I watched this Jamie Geller video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWSPfToKiYA

After braiding, I like to wait for it to rise (second proofing step) for 30-45 minutes.

Before baking, apply egg wash liberally. Smother that goodness in whisked egg.

Baking: I use 350F but the time really depends on the size of your challah. The recipe I just gave you would make 2 very large challahs which would take about 40-50 minutes to bake all the way through. A smaller challah would take about 20 minutes. During baking, I recommend rotating it every 10 min or so to get even sides. Pull when the top looks golden brown. This step might take some trial and error. Once I pulled it when the top was golden brown but it was still raw inside! If the top is getting burnt but you need to bake longer, place some aluminum tin foil on top of it.

There are several silver food colorings on Amazon but most are not edible (non toxic does not equal edible). You can airbrush silver using Americolor airbrush colors. Also, for the silver dusts you will find, you can't just add it to the buttercream. It will lose the reflective purposes. Here is the one actually edible dust I can recommend (I use many from this line). You can add it to clear vanilla extract or vodka and airbrush it onto the buttercream. Hope this helps!
Edible Hybrid Sparkle Dust, Nu Silver by Chef Alan Tetreault https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXCJ2CA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_0UpHzbXRC5EJ2
AmeriColor Amerimist Airbrush Color 4.5 Ounce, Silver Metallic Sheen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FXQ9QU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_RVpHzbCEFHR90

Squid ink might be hard to find in your area. If you happen to live in NYC, Buon Italia in Chelsea Market has squid ink, bottarga, and tipo 00 flour. Otherwise, Amazon has Tinta la Calamar and bottarga although it costs more.

Hopefully the recipe is clear, but feel free to ask any questions. I'm getting ready to go out to dinner so I'll either answer them later tonight (if I'm not too drunk) or tomorrow.

I just got two small jars off of Amazon. Pretty easy and pretty cheap imo

Edit: link

Red+yellow, or orange and a speck of brown or black. Powdered food coloring is pretty awesome, like these: LorAnn Food Coloring Powder 1/2 Ounce, Set of 7 Colors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006XJCG0O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DOD2DbHGASTXS.
Hobbyland CK Products Powder Food Color Kit, 8 Colors, 4 Gram Jars, Professional Powder Food Color Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B2LFBH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hQD2DbT199C5A

Highly recommend this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Shimmer-Glitter-Beverage-Cocktails-Sprinkler/dp/B07JVRG1LD/ref=asc_df_B07JVRG1LD/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312155073561&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9323284934658194070&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029015&hvtargid=pla-648492963517&psc=1

It's a powder that makes any beverage look all shimmery and cool.

​

Also! Consider actually making stuff!

Soap: https://wellnessmama.com/462/homemade-laundry-detergent/

Lotion: https://wellnessmama.com/3765/homemade-lotion-recipe/

Lotion part two: https://abraskitchen.com/large-batch-diy-whipped-lavender-lotion-with-coconut-oil/

Bath bombs: https://inspiredbycharm.com/diy-bath-bombs/

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One downside here is that it'll just sort of look like you're adding a multitude of white powders and clear or white oils together until you add the dyes. And these will require a little extra start up capitol, and the procurement of a few more jars, but I think it's fun to actually end up with something after all of your "hard" "work" in game.

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There are spray paints in different colors, they're usually used in cake making. As a finishing touch on fondants and stuff. Amazon has a ton, Wilton is a good brand to buy from. If they say it's food grade (safe to eat), you can trust them on that.

EDIT: Went ahead and found the purple on amazon!

i bought this kind. for 1 cup of powdered sugar i only added 1/8 teaspoon of the blue coloring. it came out pretty pastel blue which is what i wanted. i was also interested in what it would taste like. i didn’t notice any strange flavor, though. you might if you make it a deeper blue.

There's a few others... this one is recommended by all the reviews on the one you linked and has more color options too!

I'm guessing OP didn't really do his research on edible dust (vs. inedible glitter). It seems like there's several good options just from a quick google search.

This is the set of gel colors I have at the moment, and they seem to be working really well. These were made using Royal Blue. I don't know how much I used though, just enough to make it as dark as I wanted, probably 7-8 drops or so. This set has a black, which also seemed to work well when I tried it. I know a lot of people highly recommend Americolor gels too.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DWEZB5E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.Ye4BbKRJNJ55

If you are more comfortable and have more experience with buttercream, I would go this route. There are cans of spray food color like this --->> https://www.amazon.com/Chefmaster-Halloween-Decorating-Decoration-Fondant/dp/B07XSN67V7/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=spray+food+coloring&qid=1571171884&sr=8-5 that you can use to color the cake.

Whaaaaat? Awesome!
I need to invest in gold spray paint! Although, I think my husband might get carried away with it.

Did you know there's edible gold spray?

Plain food coloring maybe, but I have no idea how long it would last and might dye the food a little. Food coloring is probably water based but they could refresh on a schedule like before they oil it.

I've read about roasted/caramelized wood a few times that makes wood darker by basically heating it in low oxygen kiln until it browns.

Using a different wood is probably best.

This is probably really ridiculous and unnecessary but I told people I wanted the Americolor Nifty Fifty for Christmas. Do I need 50 food color gels? No. Do I want it? Heck yes.

Honestly, I'd just use an edible marker. It won't have the 3D look that the icing would, but it'll still look nice. :)

These are the ones I use. They have a sort of flimsy felt tip that's good for varying line widths. If that's not ideal for you, I'd suggest these instead. I think they're the ones Sweetambs uses, but don't quote me on that.

Or you can always order a size 0 or 00 tip if you're dead set in writing with icing. If you still have trouble with bleeding and stuff, try making the icing just a little bit stiffer ( but not so stiff that the line breaks when you're piping) and see if that helps.

Yeah I used these: https://www.amazon.com/Chefmaster-3358-Painting-Drawing-Multi/dp/B074SVPV7Y/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1LZG6G4953T7G&keywords=edible+markers&qid=1556756032&s=gateway&sprefix=edible+markers%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-14

Hmmm it's my first time using em' and they got a bit smudgy cuz we were walking around the park with them, uneaten lol

Just add some of this when shaken. I personally would shake with ice and strain to be served neat because it would have a better look.

Food dye I got off of Amazon! It was kinda sketchy, but worked rather well.

EDIT: Link to the dye used

This is the one, "Good Cooking", I think. The black color is mostly activated charcoal though.

Sorry. It says free one day pickup but the earliest is Saturday. Must be too late in the day.
Alma Gourmet Squid Ink Jar 90gr https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SGCP8A6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iwbXzbXS7K5DH

I did! Purchased it off amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Squid-Ink-Glass-Alma-Gourmet/dp/B00LF62G82

Bleh. Disgusting things!

Although, now I kind of want to make my own. [Gum paste] (https://www.craftsy.com/blog/gum-paste-recipe/), rolled out .5" thick, 1" heart cutter, melt some cocoa butter and dissolve [dry food coloring] (https://www.amazon.com/LorAnn-Coloring-Powder-Ounce-Colors/dp/B006XJCG0O), paint on filthy sexual things and requests. Way more fun than sex coupons! Not for eating, though, its still gross!

Not black enough. Honestly, do you people not know how to make "goth" food yet? Activated charcoal. Or squid ink. Or put anything on top of some forbidden rice and call it a day. 10/10 would try again. In the case of ice cream, I'd use activated charcoal.

I used these the gel food colors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DWEZB5E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4uL2Bb1BYX4DT

http://www.amazon.com/Squid-Ink-Glass-Alma-Gourmet/dp/B00LF62G82

Have you tried looking on the internet?

Here ya go: [ink] [recipe]

Non-mobile: these

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

Not OP, but I order this one. https://www.amazon.com/Alma-Gourmet-Squid-Ink-90gr/dp/B00SGCP8A6/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1519361275&sr=8-3&keywords=squid+ink&dpID=51ijPXP0bEL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

When people use spray paint in videos it's edible spray paint.

https://www.amazon.com/Chefmaster-Edible-2-Ounce-Kosher-Certified/dp/B002XN1YUW?th=1

You can buy it online from Amazon if you can not find it from at your local stores.

> I will also be needed to feed her

MUUUUUAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAAAA....


potential for evil, who me ?


http://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/beef-liver-and-onions-with-white-wine-14424

https://www.scottishgourmetusa.com/product/Hamilton-highland-haggis-in-USA/haggis-usa

http://norslandlefse.com/lutefisk.html

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=habbersett+scrapple&tag=googhydr-20&index=grocery&hvadid=174286871646&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3690147901928018938&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030754&hvtargid=kwd-2944860986&ref=pd_sl_7ven0ozxpq_b

https://www.amazon.com/Newport-Jerky-Company-Canned-Rattlesnake/dp/B01BLR13G0/ref=sr_tnr_p_1_2255579011_1_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1460994341&sr=1-1&keywords=smoked+rattlesnake

https://www.amazon.com/Squid-Ink-Glass-Alma-Gourmet/dp/B00LF62G82/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1460990673&sr=8-3&keywords=jar+of+squid+ink

http://www.neatorama.com/neatolicious/2014/12/05/Ten-Of-The-Most-Disgusting-Canned-Food-Products/

And as a gift for her: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/148259143X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=148259143X&linkCode=as2&tag=natdee-20&linkId=3DCVO3KOV2S6X3WX