7 Food Colors I Can't Live Without : Works for Me Wednesday

OK...new year, time to get back in the swing of things!  I'm going to try to be better about posting Works For Me Wednesday tips (to tell the truth, I ran out of ideas), so if there is anything you are wondering about, please leave it in the comments. :)

Food coloring: I use AmeriColor Gel Paste food coloring for ALL of my food coloring needs (that sounds funny).

I have a shelf full of, let me count....thirty-one bottles of color.  Hey, just like Baskin-Robbins.  Anyhoo....

These SEVEN are the ones I cannot live without:

 I have large bottles of Bright White, Super Red and Super Black....
 

 In the smaller bottles, Deep Pink, Chocolate Brown, Egg Yellow and Leaf Green....
So, if you are just starting decorating cookies, those 7 are the colors I would start with.

***update: In the comments, Megan pointed out that I don't have a blue listed.  Although I don't use blue all that often, you definitely need one in your arsenal. I use Sky Blue. Thanks, Megan!***

Where to buy AmeriColor Gel Paste Food Coloring?  Lots of places.
Remember to leave a comment to suggest a topic for a future WFMW!
works for me wednesday at we are that family
{Works for Me Wednesday is hosted by We are THAT Family....my real-life next-door neighbor!}

Oh! I'm guest posting over at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen today! Go meet Kristan!  She's a hoot! (And there's chocolate.....)
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79 comments

  1. Funky KimJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    I'm pretty sure there are a ton of new readers since you did your thing at Pioneer Woman's lodge, so you could repeat your Works for Me Wednesdays for a while and we'd all learn something!

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  2. Mom24January 4, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    King Arthur Flour has them too...with free shipping. :)

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  3. AmandaJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    I have a large black and red too... but not white! THis is going to be an annoying question, and feel free to ignore me!, but what do you mostly use white for??? (UofC video??)

    Blessings-
    Amanda

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  4. bridget {bake at 350}January 4, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    Amanda.....you don't have white?!? Shame on you, girl! Maybe your icing doesn't turn off-white, but royal does sometimes. I use it EVERY time I make white! :)

    Mom24....thanks for that. KA does have the set of colors available for free shipping. Here's the link, you guys:
    http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/soft-gel-paste-food-colors

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  5. MeganJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    I would have to agree completely except for blue. I need one shade of blue. I had no idea Bright White came in a big bottle. I've only seen the little ones and always end up buying a ton of them. I was also very excited to find them at Hobby Lobby.

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  6. bridget {bake at 350}January 4, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Megan....for blue, I mostly use Sky Blue, but I find I don't make blue cookies all that often.

    Or maybe I do and it's just been a while! ;)

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  7. Michelle BJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    I'm new - found you through PW's blog. I even tried the Christmas cookies! Where do you get your cookie cutters?

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  8. bridget {bake at 350}January 4, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    Michelle....the short answer....everywhere I see them! :)

    Here's a list of a few places:
    http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/2009/09/where-i-shopworks-for-me-wednesday.html

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  9. JennyJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    I got the Bright White at Hobby Lobby for my snowflake cookies and loved it! I couldn't believe how yellow the icing looked without it!

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  10. Megan HaanJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    I have always liked baking, but now LOVE baking and decorating using your recipe for sugar cookies. I was so pleased to hear that one of my friends got engaged recently, so I made them Scrabble cookies! (I'm such a huge game geek) What a wonderful idea! They were such a big hit.

    When you make black frosting, do you start with the royal icing? Or do you start with a chocolate frosting. I have a hard time getting a really good black.

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  11. TracyJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Yay, I'm so excited to hear that Hobby Lobby carries these!! Someone bought me some for Christmas but they could only find them on Amazon, so I'm excited that I can buy them without having to pay for shipping! :-)

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  12. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    Maybe this is s silly question, but what do you use brown for? Doesn't just adding chocolate work fine?
    -Sam

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  13. bridget {bake at 350}January 4, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    Megan Haan...the AmeriColor Super Black works like a charm. :)

    Sam...I use the Chocolate Brown for brown icing; I don't add actually chocolate or cocoa powder. You CAN use cocoa powder, but I seldom make an entire batch of just one color AND I want the taste to "match" the cookie. The food coloring makes it easier. :) But try cocoa powder if you're feeling adventurous.

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  14. KVJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    any recommendations for how much color to use? I have the Wilton gel colors and I swear I use half a tub and still can't get any rich colors for like 1/2 cup icing. Its nuts

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  15. LynnJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Great post!!! Thanks for the tips on colors. Never would have imagined using white food coloring. and glad to hear hobby lobby has americolor!

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  16. Pink Little CakeJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    I agree with you,Americolor is the best.

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  17. DianaFJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    For Canadian readers, a company in Mississauga called Golda's Kitchen is now carrying them.

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  18. Chic CookiesJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Grrrrreat post!!! My favorite brand, too! I'm also partial to the Electric colors. Wait, Hobby Lobby now carries Americolor?!? I had no idea...

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  19. minxxyJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    I have just stumbled upon your blog and am so inspired from what I see....so much that it is 2.30 am here in Scotland and I can't sleep for thinking about your cookies and having a go at icing !
    Thanks

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  20. notyet100January 4, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    wow thanks for the info,..;)

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  21. KristinJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    Thanks Bridgette! Im making cupcakes (and your cookies of course) this week for my sons birthday. My question is, will these gels work just as well with Buttercream icing? It seems like buttercream is always white and Im wondering if there is a reason for that?

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  22. kmarieJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    i'd like to read about your favorite ways to contain and organize all your supplies...

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  23. AmyJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    I needed this. Now I shall be prepared for EVERY holiday, and not just Christmas. Thanks! :)

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  24. MariaJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    Oh goodness this post is perfect for me especially considering one of my new year's resolutions is to learn how to decorate cookies :D

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  25. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    where is the blue? :)

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  26. cookies and cupsJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Totally agree with the colors! I am ALWAYS running out of red, no matter how much I think I have!

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  27. JulieJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    Can you use it to color fondant? I use Wilton colors but I am always looking for richer brighter colors for my fondant

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  28. RoniJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    Here's a question-or suggestion for WFM Wed. topic. How do you use a dough whisk? I got one for Christmas and am not sure what to do with it?!

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  29. Jennifer PJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    What do you use white for? I have white but I never use it.

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  30. PaulaJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    I love Americolor and only wish that decorating supply stores in my area would carry them. As it is, I have to order on-line to keep them stocked in my pantry. Thank goodness for Golda's Kitchen!

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  31. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    I'm not sure there is a way to teach someone this but...I can never get my lines to be smooth like yours. They always look choppy. Is there a secret (that you could make public :-)) to having smooth lines (whether straight of curved)??

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  32. No Raisins on My ParadeJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    Thanks for sharing! I've had a set of these on my wishlist for a little while- need to get those ASAP!I can't wait to try making some of your adorable cookies!

    -Marissa

    http://noraisinsonmyparade.com

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  33. KateJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    I just saw they started carrying these at Hobby Lobby as well and I was SUPER PUMPED! I'm excited about the tutorials to come- I always learn something, even if you've talked about the topic before you always seem to make a suggestion that I never tried before, THANKS BRIDGET!

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  34. Gorgeous GourmetJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    I agree with some above posters - sometimes I don't know how much food coloring to use and end up with skewed colors that are just not right....any idea about roughly how much/ many drops you typically use?

    Also, letting us in on how you organize you supplies - I feel like I have things everywhere!!!

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  35. Kristen EJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    This is really helpful for us budding decorators! I'm another reader who discovered you through the Pioneer Woman blog, so I've been poring over your past posts. I can't wait to try some of your techniques! I have to clean the kitchen first. ;)

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  36. AndreaJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    Thanks! that is really helpful! being new to doing decorative cakes and actually decorating my cookies, all of this can be a bit daunting, its good to know what you really need to start off with as far as colors go! I would love it if you focused your Wednesday things on necessities for people starting out, maybe favorite brands of tools, pans, etc.

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  37. TidyMomJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    GREAT post,as always!! I LOOOOVE my white!! makes my white icing so nice and WHITE, whether it's royal icing, butter cream, or glaze!!

    Let's see.....how about how your organize some of your supplies. We've seen your cookie cutter orgaization....but how about all of your other cookie tools!

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  38. LaJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    Do you have a post that tells us what your favorite cut out sugar cookie recipe is? I would love to find a sugar cookie recipe that gives you soft and flavorful sugar cookies and not ones that are crispy and bland!
    I think I ran across your main recipe, but when I search the site I can't seem to find it. Thanks!

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  39. RosiePJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    I just found your amazing blog; you are SO talented!

    I'd like to know if the red coloring you're using has that awful, sharp taste or is it like Wilton's no-taste red?

    Just an FYI...Hobby Lobby sells Wilton's meringue powder.

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  40. JodieJanuary 5, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Love Americolor. Although it's not a staple, I LOVE Electric Blue! So vibrant and rich!

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  41. Amanda @SweetBellaBakerJanuary 5, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    I was so excited to see that our Hobby Lobby (which just opened last week, yay!!) was carrying Americolor! And funny, I thought exactly the same thing about the meringue powder. :)

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  42. bridget {bake at 350}January 5, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Rosie....AmeriColor has no taste. If you are using Wilton (even the no-taste), you will LOVE AmeriColor!!!

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  43. AmyJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    I have to ask, have you ever been to Sweet! or was it a store that you found online. I live in the same town as they are in and I love their darling store. My sister stumbled onto it when I asked her to find me some gel food coloring for a cookie project and I am fast becoming a regular. When I saw it listed I couldn't help but think, "What a small world!"

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  44. Jen @ My Kitchen AddictionJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    Great tip! I always forget to buy brown and end up trying to mix my own. Brown is hard to mix! I am going to order some ASAP!

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  45. Mrs MacJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Thankyou Bridget!
    I have been folowing your blog for over a year now and you continue to inspire me to create my own cookie creations. The amazon link was really helpful as I live in Australia and find it really hard to get Americolour (at reasonable $$)and the white is impossible to find. I stocked up big this time!

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  46. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Hi Bridget,
    Thank you so much for this blog and your help during the holiday! My cookies were a huge hit. I would like to know more about keeping the royal icing. Mine seemed to breakdown quickly and get watery. I read somewhere that it could be kept about a week on the counter, but my leftover bags seemed to be too watery to use after a day. Also, the tubs of icing were foamy the next day when I started mixing my meringue powder and water prior to adding the powdered sugar. Any suggestions or is this normal?

    Thanks!
    Andrea

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  47. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    P.S. I did not have the Americolor, so perhaps that could be causing the watery breakdown. I'm going to buy the Americolor this week. Thanks for the suggestions on starter colors.

    Andrea

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  48. AmberJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    You can also order AmeriColor from Confectionately Yours in Salem, OR. The link is:

    http://www.confectionatelyyoursor.com/

    It's listed under candy supplies, but the colors aren't specified. I'm sure if you asked, they can tell you what colors are available.

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  49. DebbieJanuary 6, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    I use these food colors for cake decorating and love them, too.

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  50. kbahlJanuary 6, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    AHH! Hobby Lobby!!! Yes! I can swing that! I've been wanting to try this brand of food coloring. I'm not happy at all with Wilton's red. Even the No-Taste Red tastes yucky! Oh, and I'm a huge believer in white food coloring too!! Love it!

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  51. JennyJanuary 6, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    Great post!

    I personally find that as long as I have the primary colors, I can make any shade of the secondary colors.

    Black, red, yellow, blue and white are absolute staples in my decorating kit! I'm surprised to hear many don't use white to brighten!

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  52. Virginia MJanuary 6, 2011 at 5:32 PM

    Definatly enjoyed this post. i came across your blog probably six months ago. I have been decorating cakes for just over a year and cookies or about 9 months. I have to say that I LOVE Americolor colors, Unfortunatly I don't have very many because I am a WMI, which means if you look in my kit all I have is Wilton. I do have the Medium Size (there is a size in between those big ones and those little ones) of the Red and the Black that I use only at home. And when I have students tell me they are having troubles getting red, I tell them to go Pink, then switch to Americolor red. This is usually after they have finished my classes. It just goes red sooooo much faster. Same with the black. I have never tasted though, do they have that bitter taste to them.

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  53. KaraJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Dear Bridget - Pardon me for being new! ;) A friend steered me in your direction last month and I'm loving it! Thank you for this tip on food colors! I appreciate all you share.

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  54. Designed with PurposeJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Hey Bridget
    So I have a totally unrelated question. I always have issues with getting the chocolate smooth on buckeyes or truffles. I know you mentioned using a bit of crisco in your chocolate but even when I do that...still lumpy. And what do you think is the difference between using chocolate bark and choc chips when it comes to that stuff?

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  55. KristenJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    I don't know what to say on posts like these. Because of my cookie-baking deficiencies. But I love you and your cookies and I thank GOD you're my neighbor.
    How's that??

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  56. CorazonableCreationsJanuary 6, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    Oh I just love your blog...thanks to one of your post last year, I discovered the greatness of "Super Red" and "Super Black" just in time to make Mickey cookies.
    Before this, I could never EVER get a good black or red color...it was horrible!!
    Idea for a WFMW: The size boxes you use for local delivery.
    I was about to order some pink bakery boxes but was lost as to what size to get.
    What size do you recommend and how many cookies fit in a box?

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  57. ShondraJanuary 8, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Thanks! Here is an idea for a future WFMW post.... dot PLACEMENT! I have (thanks to you, this blog, and your vlog) gotten the technique to flat dots down, but I can never figure out where to place them on my cookie. They either come out looking too contrived or too random... too many dots or few dots. I guess I just don't have an eye for it. So I would love to see some tips on dot placement, please! :-)

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  58. Sisterly Love Bake ShopJanuary 8, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    Hi..u mentioned Ateco Meringue Powder..i just always used Wilton...does brand make a difference in the icing?

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  59. JoannaJanuary 10, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    hey, bridget! :)

    wow! you're lucky to have black and white readily available in your area. my basics are just about the same. red, yellow, green, blue and brown. :D

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  60. VinMarch 15, 2011 at 2:50 AM

    Hi Bridget...

    Firstly! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog.. It's so inspiring. I am no expert on baking but i love to bake....
    I have a question though regarding coloring royal icing. I don't have gel coloring and all i have is the thick liquid-y type of coloring, will it work as good as the gel??? i am afraid to try it so i thought maybe i should consult with you first.

    Thank you much... and i definitely am looking forward to your many many new projects...

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  61. SubhadraOctober 19, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    Hi Bridget,
    I see at a lot of places that artificial colours are not really healthy, especially for kids. Any comments on that?

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  62. AmeirahFebruary 12, 2012 at 12:20 PM

    I have been looking for a good review on the Americolors, and the basics to buy! Thank you! Love your shop as well, paid it a visit as a thank you for a good review!

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  63. MelodyMarch 17, 2012 at 10:30 AM

    Hi! I've been you're blog stalker for a while now. I've never actually made any of your cookies, I just like to look at them. And someday I'll try to make some! I just made a Lightning McQueen cake for my son's birthday and per your suggestion, I bought a starter kit of americolor food coloring. I just looked for the one that had the most of the colors you suggested, so I have everything listed here but bright white, and egg yellow. Anyway, I LOVE THEM! They work so much better than the wilton brand I had been using, and I didn't have to use nearly as much to get the color I wanted. Thank you! Thank you!

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  64. heidihillMay 4, 2012 at 12:35 AM

    I have a question that I think I know the answer to,but I've already asked so many bakers,it wouldn't be fair to not ask you! Do you know of any ORGANIC food colorings at all? I am about to open a frozen yogurt store w/baked goods,but it is a CERTIFIED ORGANIC ONLY business,and I am having such a hard time trying to have fun decorating anything,as,all commercial brands I know are not cert.organic,and I cannot use them.
    Please advise,if you can
    Regards,heidi

    ReplyDelete
  65. AnonymousJune 6, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    I LOVE Americolor food gels! My (almost) 4 year old little girl is OBSESSED with anything pink, purple or rainbow...we use these in just about any food item, making rainbow rice, playdough, bouncey balls etc....and most recently (today) baby girl wanted me to dye her hair pink...PINK! Sooooo what did I do? Broke out the Americolor Electric Pink, took a paint brush and tin foil and dyed her hair pink with it! It worked WONDERFULLY and the color is awesome and completely non damaging her her beautiful hair. Gotta love this stuff, I can NOT live without it and will never use another!

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  66. AnonymousMarch 14, 2013 at 3:51 PM

    I have recently switched from wilton colors to try Americolor, I like the colors, but it's a nightmare getting it out the those little bottles... anyone else have this issue or suggestions??

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  67. Stephanie RohrbacherMarch 14, 2013 at 4:06 PM

    I have always used wilton colors, I recently tried Americolor. I like the color, but those little small neck bottles are a nightmare.... any suggestions (other than buying the great big ones) ??

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  68. Carmen LooOctober 25, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    ameri color can use on jelly cake

    ReplyDelete
  69. Carmen LooOctober 25, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    can use on jelly cake or not ?

    ReplyDelete
  70. Carmen LooOctober 25, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    ameri color can use on jelly cake

    ReplyDelete
  71. Layer Cake ShopNovember 3, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    Thanks so much for the shout out!

    ReplyDelete
  72. bibliobethicaJanuary 24, 2014 at 4:04 PM

    You and those that commented have convinced me. I'm buying Bright White this weekend. I find I use Electric Pink much more often than Deep Pink. Of couse, you posted this in 2011. Maybe Electric Pink wasn't even a color back then.

    ReplyDelete
  73. lindsey holmesMarch 13, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    Love this i also have those colors as my big ones and i just did a review on super red on my YouTube channel Check it out for other helpful baking reviews! http://youtu.be/BW3PS_fcP5c

    ReplyDelete
  74. PrettyHandmadecardsJanuary 7, 2015 at 2:13 PM

    Hi…please temme the difference between AmeriColor Soft Gel Paste Food Color Cake Decorating Student & AmeriColor Soft Gel Paste Food Color Cake Decorating Electric Sets? What is Student and electric color mean?

    Can we use both for frosting/icing/whipping and fondant? I wanted to buy online?please help me and clear my queries.Thanx in advance.

    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
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    ReplyDelete
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