Musk stick roses - for decoration

[maddy]

Your musk sticks must be fresh
Out of date or stale musk sticks will not work...as I discovered with 1 of the packets I had today  
Try and get a packet with the longest expiry date.

Work with 1 stick at a time, pop in the microwave, and heat for 15 seconds (my microwave is 1100w, so adjust accordingly)...they need to be just softened.

Now working quickly, cut each piece into 7 sections



and just as quickly, squash each piece with both of your pointer fingers to resemble disks...they don't have to be perfect.  The longer you take, the harder they become, and harder to mould together.



You will find that 1 end piece will always be that little bit harder than the rest, so use that as the centre for your bud.
Roll it up



 and then shape the other 6 petal pieces around it, pressing gently, forming a rose.



I left them to sit in an egg carton for a few hours before popping on the cupcakes.  I did trim the stems though, but not too close to the petals.





For the musk cupcakes, I used a vanilla version (omit cocoa and add 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract)  of the bimby chocolate cake but reducing sugar to 250g and added 100g of powdered musk lollies,  (blitzed first in the TM for around 5 seconds, speed 8.
I used the creamy vanilla frosting and sprinkled with pearlised sugar crystals.

[goldfish]

Maddy - that is amazing!! and that cupcake is gorgeous!!  Is there another way of warming up the musk stick?  We don't have a microwave . . .    would love to try this!

[Aussie Brenda]

Thanks for this, I tried to make some icing roses last week but they were a disaster.  I will be having a go at these...

[KarenH]

Your musk sticks must be fresh
Out of date or stale musk sticks will not work

Any stale musk sticks can be popped into your mouth  

Absolutely amazing maddy - you are so clever!

[courton]

Stunning!

[Jamberie]

Oh wow! These look fabulous! Thanks for sharing with such great details

[trudy]

Well done Maddy

[jeninwa]

Wow, they look fantastic, thanks for sharing, going to have to make these.

[judydawn]

Your instructions make it look so easy maddy - our forum girls will be turning out flower decorations in no time thanks to you.

[Cornish Cream]

What a great tutorial Maddy,perfect instructions 

[Wonder]

Thanks Maddie, my DD will be buying musk sticks for sure.

[CreamPuff63]

absolutely gorgeous (as usual). I wonder if it works for the coloured sticks as well? I think pink would be the prettiest, but you could also have orange, yellow, green (for leaves), and red. its a wonderful idea.

[maddy]

Thank you 

I wonder if it works for the coloured sticks as well? I think pink would be the prettiest, but you could also have orange, yellow, green (for leaves), and red.

Absolutely, I'm also thinking that the banana lollies should work too, so will give that a go when we have a bag floating around and try it out.

Is there another way of warming up the musk stick?  We don't have a microwave . . .    would love to try this!

I'm really not sure if another way could be successful 
if you use an oven or fry pan....I can't guarantee that they wouldnt dry out or harden....I think it would be much more time consuming, but if you give it a try...let us know how it works.

[deedub]

Maddy, what do you do with all your beautiful cupcakes? Do you make them just for your lucky family and friends?

[cookie1]

Maddy thanks for the tutorial. You have explained it beautifully. I will have to give them a try.