A New Realism in Cooking Molds

Described as the trompe l’oeil (“fools the eye,” i.e. optical illusion) tools of artistic cooks, molds shape certain foods to resemble animals, flowers or objects. The degree of realism increases depending on the amount of fine detailing in the mold and how good your imagination is in decorating the sculpted food.

Centuries-old, with a strong French influence, these cooking tools have been recreated in a variety of materials such as tin, copper, porcelain, glass, aluminum, stainless steel and plastic.

Coppersource, Halves Inc. in Hayward, Calif., produces a wide range of heavy-gauge, solid copper molds ($10 to $35) lined with a nickel/silver mirror finish that cannot melt or easily wear through. Decorative as well as functional, the pretty copper molds are made to withstand extreme freezing and baking temperatures without warping. “The combination of materials makes it possible for the mold to release very well,” said Frank Ferreri, marketing manager for Coppersource.

Tarnish Problem Licked

The problem of most copper molds is that they tarnish when hung on the wall. Ferreri explained that they use a soft lacquer coating on the outside of each piece to preserve the shiny look of copper. For cooking, however, he said that this lacquer coating should first be removed by following the easy instructions provided with the product.

Coppersource designs include animal molds such as curved fish, duck, rooster, chicken, lamb, rabbit and hog, the largest and most expensive piece in the line. Rectangular pate molds with fish, duck and rooster designs have been quite popular, according to Ferreri. These have heavy, cast brass handles on opposite ends. In addition there are traditional round, shell- and heart-shaped molds and ring molds with simple or intricate patterns. Ideal for gift giving, most items are gift boxed with descriptions in both French and English.

A company called Mouldings in Salt Lake City decided to go the plastic route for their appealing little molds. Imported from England, the plastic molds have become popular mainly because of an old-fashioned use: making crispies rice treats. Remember the sweet and crispy puffed rice (Rice Crispies) recipe that is made by mixing the rice cereal with a cooked butter, syrup and condensed milk mixture? After mixing, the hot mixture is placed into the molds and is then immediately released.

Variations on a Favorite

The fun part is that the sticky confection comes right out and has taken the shape of the mold. The most exciting design is the country bear mold, which can be easily decorated with candy confections such as cinnamon red hots, chocolate chips and ribbons or frosting. “The bear molds became popular (in Salt Lake City) after they were used to make fund-raising goodies to benefit a children’s hospital,” said Tammy McBride, marketing director for Mouldings. For variation, she suggested substituting popcorn for puffed rice, adding unsweetened chocolate or substituting peanut butter for the condensed milk.

Available in bright colors, Mouldings products also come in car, tortoise and traditional round designs. All molds can be used in microwave ovens and are dishwasher-safe. They are also great for molding chocolate, fudge, gelatin, microwave cakes, hard candy, cheese and butter, as well as non-food creations such as sand and clay sculptures and papier mache. They can even be used as a bath toy.

Mouldings are available in a small set of four designs ($6.95); a large set of car, rabbit and traditional ($7.95); and individually ($2 for small and $3 for large). To order or for more information, call (801) 261-3847 or write Mouldings, P. O. Box 71178, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107.

The Coppersource molds are available at Bullock’s and Fedco.

The Mouldings molds are available at Putnam’s Hallmark (Whittier), Carousel Gifts (Hacienda Heights) and Gordon Drugs (Westminster). Or call the above number.