Food Coloring

[antonia]

Does any one know of a safe one? Or how to make a safe one?

[colormist]

I thought the McCormick brand food coloring was safe. Here's their page with the listed ingredients: www.mccormick.com/Spices-and-Flavors/Extracts-and-Food-Colors/Food-Colors/Assorted-Food-Colors-and-Egg-Dye

It's not flavored in any way.

[rysmom14]

Antonia, What are you going to use the food coloring for? I always find that the HFI food is so boring looking. IT's so white and tan and cheese colored. I would love to be able to have some color on his plate!

Thanks!

[antonia]

Hi, well I aspired to make a red, white and blue yogurt popsicle for the 4th of July, but that didn't happen. We've been preparing to move at the end of this month so it's been a little crazy. But, yes, I would love to get some color on the plate! I used to work as a sensory scientist, performed taste testing for large food companies, so I know the effect color has on the appearance and like-ability of food, so maybe it bothers me more than the average person. Not that I want to pump Palmera's diet full of artificial colors but it would be nice to give her something colorful to eat on special occasions. We use plain whipping cream to 'frost' things, would be nice to add some color to it.

For now, I try to add color with non food decorative items. There are lots of cute tooth picks, cupcake rings and such to decorate the plate with. As soon as I can convince my husband of the need, I'd like to get some colorful plates and glass wear to serve her food on, like Fiestawear or something. My current dishes are beige. Last week I bought a banana shaped popsicle mold where the base was a plastic, yellow banana peel. Filled it with plain yogurt and it really looks like a banana! I was surprised how much Palmera loved it. I thought she would say, this does not taste like a banana, but she said it was even better than real banana. Probably helps that it does not make her feel sick like real bananas do.


Thanks Colormist for that link. My main worry is the propylene glycol, not sure what is comprised of. I have some food scientist friends back from my working days, I may reach out to them and see what they can tell me about it.

[colormist]

Oooh, beige plates with beige food. I'm so sad right now. I also use fiestaware. You are right! It does make the food look more appetizing. In fact, I avoid using the pale yellow plate for my fancy meals because it's not as pretty to look at.

Yogurt popsicles are a brilliant idea!

[antonia]

I know, so very sad. Also my counters, walls, back splash, maple cabinets, light wood floors, ALL beige-ish!!! We've just moved to a new house though and at least my counters are now dark brown/black speckled with various colors. Not exactly colorful per say but at least a little contrast there in the kitchen environment. Must get Fiestaware! (Excuse my previous spelling, FiestaWEAR, HA! Sounds like a scary undergarment, lol.)

There are so many fun popsicle molds out there now. Come a long way since the wooden popsicle stick from my day.

Also, I've found if you blanch your basil for a few seconds in boiling water before making pesto with it, it will turn a brite green color and stay that way, no browning at all. So there's that.