Why do carnations get such a bad rap?
Do we just think of them as the science experiment we did in Kindergarten with the food coloring and water?
I'm not sure, but when I was given this carnation on Mother's Day, I was struck by how beautiful it was. Ruffled, full, dainty and study all at once...with its pink-tipped edges and spicy scent, I was left wondering why I don't fill my house with them.
I was also left with a notion that they needed to be cookied.
Let me show you how I made these. I try to keep a tub of white fondant on hand at all times...this is the one I like. You can find it on Amazon and Sur la Table.
I used this tutorial as a jumping off point. I don't have fondant tools, and wanted to try to create the look without buying more doo-dads. My doo-dad drawer is full. ;) If you want a perfect ruffled flower, be sure to check out that tutorial.
To make carnation cookies, you'll need:
- white fondant
- graduated circle cookie cutters
- icing tips: leaf and #3
- AmeriColor Electric Pink food coloring
- clean paintbrushes
- vodka
- water
- chopstick
- egg carton
- wax paper
- cut-out cookies
- piping bag
- royal icing, tinted with Americolor Leaf Green
Roll the fondant on a surface coated with cornstarch. I rolled mine to 1/8", but thinner would make a pretty and more delicate flower. Cut with the graduated circle cutters...you'll need 3 circles per flower.
Use the side of an icing tip to press along the edges of each circle to thin the edges.
Next, use a toothpick to make some striations.
Mix food coloring with vodka until thinned and a paint-like consistency. Paint the edges with the mixture.
Paint towards the center of the flower over the striations. I used both a fan brush and a flat brush...either will work. Stack the circles, using a bit of water in the center of each, and pressing in the center with the fat end of a chopstick.
Use waxed paper to prop the flowers in an egg carton. Use a toothpick to nudge the ruffles where you want them. You can also touch up paint on the edges. Let the flowers set for a few hours.
Use a #3 tip to adhere the flowers to the cookies.
Use leaf tips to add leaves. Let the icing set for an hour or so before packaging.
When I head to the grocery store later today (already for the 3rd time this week...who's with me?), I'll definitely be filling my cart with carnations!
