- Prepare a clean ladle by lightly oiling the back of it with oiled kitchen paper.

- Drizzle strands of sugar syrup over the back of the ladle to form a cage.

- Drizzle a strand of sugar syrup around the edge of the ladle to seal off the edge of the cage. Snip off any overhanging strands.

- Leave to cool on the ladle. When set, carefully prise the cage from the ladle without breaking the strands. Serve as a covering for small desserts.

© 1999 All rights reserved. Published by Le Cordon Bleu.