Pastillage is a candy clay that is used for items that need strength such as structures, cake drums and plaques that are to stand up on a display. It does not break down in humidity as gum paste might. Unlike gum paste, which has glucose, pastillage is porous. It is not good for hand molding figures and flowers because it does not have the smooth surface of gum paste, and it is very fast drying. Pastillage will crust much faster than gum paste and will have a much harder crust.
1 Tablespoon gelatin (Knox)
1/4 Cup plus 2 Tablespoons Water
4-1/2 cups Confectioner’s Sugar
Dissolve gelatin in water. Add confectioner’s sugar. Keep mixture covered with wet towel. ALLOW TO SIT FOR 24 HOURS.
Remove the amount you intend to use and microwave it for 15-30 seconds (careful! it’s hot in the middle), depending on the size of the chunk, it becomes the “plasticine” texture it should after kneading. Just like store-bought. The addition of heat is what makes the gelatin bloom.
Sprinkle with more confectioner’s sugar and knead just before rolling or shaping. The addition of CMC or Tragacanth (or Gum Tex by Wilton) makes the Pastillage dry very fast.
DUST WORK SURFACE WITH LIGHT COATING OF CORNSTARCH. Work quickly … it hardens fairly fast. You can use a small file or emery board to trim or smooth edges.