how can I stiffen butterfly wing dcorations?

by Shelley Wellman
(Retford, Nottinghamshire, England)

I am currently making a wedding cake with handmade butterfly decorations.

I was meant to be using tuille for the wings of the butterflies, but have had to substitute it with normal netting.

I was told it is possible to stiffen the netting with sugared water but with no quantities this is proving difficult. is there any way to stiffen up the netting? preferably edible.

From the editor:

Hi Shelley,

Here's some directions for sugar water:

1. Bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a rapid boil.

2. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

3. Dip one wing in the solution and gently squeeze out the excess without twisting or wringing the piece.

4. Shape as desired and set aside to dry.

Repeat for each butterfly wing.

It can take quite a while to dry, so be patient.

Good luck.

Regards,
Michelle (editor)