Basic Fondant Recipe 455

Steps:

• Butter the sides of of a 1 1/2 quart saucepan. Mix all ingredients. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture comes to a boil. Cook without stirring to soft ball stage (238 degrees). Pour onto platter or shiny cookie sheet with sides. DO NOT SCRAP SAUCEPAN. Cool mix until only slightly warm (30 minutes). With a spatula or wooden spoon, scrape fondant mix from the edge of platter toward the center. Gradually the fondant mixture will turn stiff and white. Knead until free of lumps. Wrap and place in covered container. Allow to ripen 24-48 hours. Ready to use for mints or cake decoration.

Steps:

• Combine gelatin and cold water; let stand until thick. Place gelatin mixture in top of double boiler and heat until dissolved.
• Add glucose and glycerin, mix well. Stir in shortening and just before completely melted, remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Mixture should cool until lukewarm.
• Place 4 cups confectioners' sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and using a wooden spoon, stir in the lukewarm gelatin mixture. Mix in sugar and add more a little at a time, until stickiness disappears. Knead in remaining sugar. Knead until the fondant is smooth, pliable and does not stick to your hands. If fondant is too soft, add more sugar; if too stiff, add water (a drop at a time). Use fondant immediately or store in airtight container in fridge. When ready to use, bring to room temperature and knead again until soft.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together the shortening and corn syrup. Mix in the salt and vanilla flavoring, then gradually mix in the confectioners' sugar until it is a stiff dough. If you are using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Otherwise, knead by hand. If the dough is sticky, knead in more confectioners' sugar until it is smooth. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
• To use, roll out on a clean surface that has been dusted with confectioners' sugar until it is 1/8 inch thick or thinner if you can. Drape over frosted and chilled cakes and smooth the sides down, or cut into strips to make bows and other decorations.