How to Make Clay Baking Marbles
Making a tasty and beautiful pie crust is especially difficult during "blind baking," a process by which the crust is baked on its own and then later filled with fruit or custard. For best results during blind baking, use baking marbles. When spread evenly over the bottom of the pie crust, baking marbles can help prevent bubbling, rising or shrinking during the baking process. Ceramic baking marbles can be purchased at most home improvement or culinary stores; making them at home is a rewarding and cost effective process.
Instructions
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Choose an appropriate clay for the baking marbles. There are a wide variety of types of clay on the market, including china, earthenware, porcelain, stoneware, polymer and ball clays. Earthenware clay is a good choice, due to its relatively low cost. In addition, the low hardening point of earthenware clay means it can be baked in a home oven with little difficulty. Earthenware clay can be purchased through ceramic suppliers and may be available in some arts and crafts stores.
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Place a large, clean baking sheet on a flat surface and cover it with a piece of waxed paper. For best results, make sure that there are no rips in the waxed paper. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Remove a small chunk of clay, roll it into a ball approximately 1/4-inch in diameter, and place it on the baking sheet. Repeat this process until the desired number of baking marbles have been formed. Despite their name, baking marbles are traditionally closer in size to peas.
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Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake the marbles for about 30 minutes, or until they are impenetrable when tested with a fork or knife. Allow the marbles to cool completely. Examine the marbles. If they are completely firm to the touch, they can be removed from the baking sheet and stored for later use. If the marbles still are slightly soft, put them back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat the testing process until the marbles are completely firm.
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Store the baking marbles in a zip-close bag, plastic container or glass jar in a cool, dry area until required for use.
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Tips & Warnings
Rinse and drain the baking marbles thoroughly in a colander after use. Proper maintenance of the baking marbles will ensure their longevity.
Polymer clay should never be used when making baking marbles. Despite its name, it is not really a clay, but actually a type of plastic that could potentially release toxic chemicals during baking. If these chemicals were absorbed into the pie crust, they could result in serious illness.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
