Working with Fondant...any tips?

[Tenacious_D]

So my new hobby is baking! I really want to try and work with Fondant for decoration purposes. I found a great website to make tasty fondant but am not sure if it's worth making it or buying it prepared.

I was hoping to make DH a father's day cake for Sunday and am already trying to plan little E's first birthday cake (in November ). Any tips on working with fondant. Cheri, I know you took a cake decorating class...any books or websites that might help?

Thanks all...if I do make the cake, I'll post pictures (whether good or bad)!

[SuzySunshine]

I haven't worked with it personally but my sister has and she says its easier to buy the store bought stuff the first couple of time until you get used to it. The person to ask is Heidi, I believe she's our cake decorator extraordinaire, maybe you can PM her.

Jenn Patel might have some ideas too.

If I am remembering correctly, the baker I used to work for really liked working with fondant. She also uses gum paste (which is similar, I believe) for decorating the fondant cakes. I have heard the Wilton stuff doesn't taste so great so if you buy it, maybe choose a different brand.

PITA to read but usually good info:
http://www.baking911.com/decorating/...nt.htm#recipes

I'm sure there is good info here too (as well as The Cake Bible):
http://www.realbakingwithrose.com/

RLB lists Maid of Scandinavia as a resource for buying it but it looks like they are out of business.

[bokelley]

I would love to make a cake with fondant. I have tried to make my own butter cream icing, it did not go so well. Anyone have a good recipe?

[Tenacious_D]

I am trying out a new buttercream icing recipe tomorrow...will let you know how it goes. I ended up just buying the pre-made Wilton stuff. I hear it's not tasty but I am making the cake, cookies for one of the interns (he has been taking DH to work while we wait for our 2nd car) and taking care of E so homemade fondant will have to wait.

Thanks all!

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Chocolate Nutella Buttercream:


INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter, room temp
1/4 cup shortening
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2/3 cup nutella
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS
Cream together the butter or margarine with the shortening.
Sift the cocoa with the confectioners' sugar and add to the creamed mixture. Mix together adding 1 tablespoon at a time of milk to keep mixture smooth. Don't add more than 1/4 cup of milk.
Add the Nutella and the vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.

About 90% foolproof and 100% delicious. If I could ever find Hazelnut extract I wouldn't have to rely on Nutella but could just use the chocolate and add the extract. But alas, I've only found it once.

[bokelley]

Once I get all moved in, I can't wait to try this out!! Thanks a bunch!!

[DCJenn]

I'll get my mom's recipe for the greatest frosting ever.

Jenn

[Tenacious_D]

So after buying the wilton's pre-made fondant, I went ahead and made my own Marshmallow fondant. I found a recipe online that seemed easy enough. So I made the cake, and buttercream from a recipe I found in the Cake Bible and made a golf themed cake since I got DH golf lessons for father's day. It was fun but a lot of work....now onto E's first birthday in November!

Cute cake!

[ladymoreta]

Very cute! Great job!!!

Looks great!

[MrsK]

Adorable. Love the brown sugar "sand trap"

[bokelley]

What a great looking cake... GOOD JOB!!

[SuzySunshine]

Looks great!