WATER-SOLUBLE POWDER DYE BLACK LICORICE 8 G

This powder food colouring from the Patisdécor brand, distributed by Cerf Dellier in Hénin-Beaumont, gives sweet preparations a liquorice black shade. It is water-soluble: it dissolves in water and in any mixture that contains it, unlike fat-soluble colourings, which are meant for chocolate and fats. The black is made by blending three dyes, brilliant black PN (E151), allura red AC (E129) and tartrazine (E102), on a dextrose base. It comes in a small 8 g glass jar.

Use it to colour a mixture all the way through: macaron shells, meringues, sponge batter, buttercream, marzipan and pastillage. In a liquid preparation, add it as it is; in a firmer paste, dissolve it first in a few drops of water. It also works in an airbrush, diluted in boiled water or food-grade alcohol. Cerf Dellier warns that black is hard to achieve on macarons: the result often leans towards purple. The label sets a maximum dose of 0.26 g per kilo for fine bakery wares and 0.40 g per kilo for confectionery.

Keep the jar away from heat and damp. The powder is not to be eaten as it is, and the label carries the E102 and E129 warning about activity and attention in children. You will also find it on the shelves of our shop, 58 rue Tiquetonne, Paris.