Take a Shine to Luster Dust

This fine, shimmery powder, available in a spectrum of hues, is made from pearlescent mica-based colors and ingredients such as sugar and cornstarch. It's also flavorless, so it won’t add any unwanted sweetness or taste to your desserts. 

You can use the dust to add color and sparkle to all sorts of items, including chocolates, iced cookies, cakes, and trifle.

We brushed gold luster dust over the chocolate decorations adorning our Chocolate-Raspberry Trifle, bringing even more drama to this spectacular dessert.

BRUSH: Put a small amount of dust in a bowl, dip a dry bristled pastry brush into the powder, tap off the excess, and brush the powder onto your surface. A light application will create translucent iridescence, while two or three coats will give a more mirror-like finish.

PAINT: Stir vodka or a clear alcohol-based flavoring, a drop or two at a time, into about ½ teaspoon of powder until the mixture is the consistency of thick cream. Apply to your chosen surface with a clean paintbrush. If a stronger effect is desired, use a few coats, allowing each to dry before applying the next. 

FLECK: Create luster dust paint (described above). Dip a new toothbrush into the paint, aim it at your target, and run your thumb along the surface of the bristles.