Thursday, April 19, 2012

Fondant is Messy!

Fondant. We've seen it, we've tasted it, and we've spit it out. So why in the world would I want to show you how to make it?

Well, I was never a fan of it until my sister taught me how to make it in an easy, tasty way (thanks sis)! This fondant is made with basically two ingredients: marshmallow and powdered sugar! EASY!!! 


This is something the kids love, and I really enjoy the taste. You might get a case of sugar overload, so be prepared!

Let's get started!

These are the ingredients I use...WALMART!
This makes a good portion of fondant, probably more
than you want for a "first" try.


First, you'll need to grab a large bowl...We will only use one bag of marshmallows at a time. Empty one bag of marshmallows into a microwave safe bowl. Add ~1/2 a tablespoon of water to the bowl. I always just add a few drops straight from the sink.


Now microwave for 30 seconds. 
Take it out and stir.
This is what it looks like. It is VERY sticky, so be careful. :)


Place back in the microwave for another 30 seconds. 
Take it out and stir.
This is what you WANT it to look like:


Marshmallow melted. CHECK! Sugar? Messy? 
Oh, yea:)
Make sure your counter is clean!
Pour about half the bag of sugar onto a CLEAN, dry surface. 
Create a bowl-like structure/barrier with the sugar.



Pour your melted marshmallow in the middle of your barrier. 


Work quickly. Knead the melted-mallow using the powdered sugar.
Whatever you do, do NOT touch the melted-mallow with your bare hands!!!
I already told you it is super sticky, and you do not want this all over you :)



Continue kneading until it is no longer sticky.




  
Almost done!
Now just prepare the other bag of marshmallows, or save your powder
sugar leftovers. 
This is what you are left with:



Time to roll it out. It should be pretty thin, but not thin enough to tear. 
When you lift it, it will stretch! 
It definitely takes some getting used to.



Spread it over your cake!
Smooth it out with your hands. 
I bought a fondant smoother and absolutely love it.
It was <$5!


Now it's up to you to use your imagination! 
Create whatever you want, when you want, and how you want!

A couple of notes:
Gel icing coloring (I like Wilton) is best for coloring fondant.
Coloring fondant is a PAIN! It's easy if you want to do a tie-die cake :)
If your fondant is too dry, add a little water to it and microwave it in 15 second intervals. 
It should not crack.
Cool trick. When you're finished, take a steamer (I bought a cheap one at FRED's for $10) and lightly go over your cake with steam. It makes it nice and shiny!
Make sure you put icing on your cake before covering in fondant :) 
Refrigerate your iced cake (or freeze) before putting the fondant on. You want the icing to be stiff.
You didn't use it all? No worries. This can be stored at room temperature for up to one month (possibly longer) if wrapped in an air tight container.

Hmmmmmm.....
If I left anything out, that would be very normal for me :)
Feel free to provide feedback! I'm still learning as well!


Monday, April 9, 2012

Getting Started

Soooooo, this is my very first blog! I can't tell you how excited I am to finally get the guts/time to start this!
I am very new to the baking world, which has really inspired me to start this blog of sharing my learning experiences with you. I guess I have only been baking for a little over a year now. Crazy. I'm not the type to brag too much ;) but I have really come a long way for this little Arkansas girl. 


I am interested in hearing from you! Any advice, comments, feedback, etc. is greatly appreciated! Don't forget, this is a learning ADVENTURE for me as well! 




I am a believer in DIY crafts and projects, so don't be surprised if I "accidentally" throw in some photographs of my other artsy attempts ;) My friends call me "SQUIRREL." I am easily sidetracked!

A little about this blog:
  • I'll try to share some of my favorite basic cake/cupcake recipes
  • A little fondant tutorial
  • "Best Icing Ever" (super easy)
  • How I stack tiers for a cake
  • Random photos of completed work
  • And anything else I can throw in there to help you beginners :) 

Remember, I'm not a professional. I am a beginner. I will continue to post as I complete "orders" (mostly favors for friends) and would love your criticism! Here are some photos to get you started :) HAPPY BAKING!


Sugar Cookie Cupcake with Vanilla Buttercream
topped with white chocolate decorations.
This was for a baby shower.
Vanilla Cupcakes filled with Nutella and/or Banana Pudding
topped with a Banana Buttercream frosting
and other banana-like things ;)
This was for my nephew's 1st "monkeying around" birthday party
These were to die for! All from scratch Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes
topped with Vanilla Buttercream in assorted spring colors.
This was for a friend's house warming party.
That's me in the glasses, along with my best baking bud Lyndsey :)

Christmas Cupcakes

I can't remember what these were for ;)


This was my sister's wedding cake. It was AWFUL! Bless her heart in trusting me with my first wedding cake! She had guts! 




Happy Easter Cake! 
My friend Lyndsey and I did this a little while ago.It was a lot of fun!
Another of one of my first projects.


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Well, I've babbled enough...for now! I have more photos just for fun and to give you an idea of what I have tried over the last year. Some are great, while others aren't. 


ON THE WAY:
This week I will have finished a baby shower cake for a little girl and a 3-4 tier cake wedding cake...To Be Continued!