Basic Uncooked Vanilla Fondant Food

BASIC VANILLA CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 9-inch-round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper; butter the parchment and dust the pans with flour, tapping out the excess.
• Whisk 3 cups flour, the baking powder and salt in a bowl until combined. Beat 2 sticks butter and the sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to medium; beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla. (The mixture may look separated at this point.) Beat in the flour mixture in 3 batches, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with flour, until just smooth.
• Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake until the cakes are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to racks and let cool 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge of the pans and turn the cakes out onto the racks to cool completely. Remove the parchment. Trim the tops of the cakes with a long serrated knife to make them level, if desired.

FONDANT

Steps:

• In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, between 234 and 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Pour the mixture over a dampened marble slab. Sprinkle it with a little water to prevent a crust from forming and leave to cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Using a triangular scraper work the sugar syrup scraping it from the slab and turning the sides to the center. Alternatively, work the fondant in an electric mixer with a dough hook. Work vigorously particularly when the fondant starts to thicken and become creamy. After 3 to 5 minutes it will suddenly become stiff. Break off one piece of fondant at a time and work it by pinching it hard in your fingers until pliable and smooth. Press all the pieces of pliable fondant together and knead in any flavoring or coloring. Pack into an airtight container and leave in the refrigerator or a cool place at least 1 hour, preferably 1 day to mellow.

UNCOOKED FONDANT

Steps:

• Blend butter, syrup, vanilla, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
• Add confectioners sugar all at once.
• Mix together, first with a spoon, then with hands, kneading well.
• Turn out onto a board and continue kneading until mixture is well blended and smooth.
• Store wrapped in a tight container in a cool place.
• Makes about 25 centers.

NO COOK ICING

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, stir together the white sugar, egg white, vanilla, cream of tartar, and boiling water. Beat using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. If you have a stand mixer, use the whisk attachment.

FONDANT-FILLED CANDIES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine milk and corn syrup. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar (mixture will be stiff). Divide into two portions. , For peppermint patties, add the peppermint oil to one portion. Shape 1/2 teaspoonfuls into balls and flatten. In a microwave, melt 1 pound of candy coating, stir until smooth. With a slotted spoon, dip peppermint disks in coating; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper to harden. Refrigerate in an airtight container., For chocolate-covered cherries, drain cherries, reserving 3 tablespoons of juice; set cherries aside. Combine juice with remaining fondant. Add additional confectioners' sugar if necessary to form a stiff mixture. , Roll into 1-in. balls; flatten to 2-in. circles. Wrap each circle around a cherry and carefully shape into a ball. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Cover loosely. Melt remaining candy coating; dip cherries in coating; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper to harden. Refrigerate in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks for candy to ripen and center to soften.

BASIC UNCOOKED VANILLA FONDANT

Steps:

• In medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, butter, cream and vanilla until well blended.Use immediately as filling for molded candies or shape into 3/4 -inch balls and let stand for 1 hour or until a crust forms before dipping Flavored Fondant: To 1/2 cup basic fondant, add 1/4 teaspoon additional extract of your choice and 2 drops food color.Chocolate Fondant: To 1/2 cup basic fondant, add 1 ounce melted unsweetened chocolate and 1 teaspoon whipping cream. Work in with a metal spatula or wooden spoon. Knead with hands if necessary.Note: The fondants can also be used plain as a filling for dates, or the balls can be immediately rolled in sugar and pressed into plastic molds. Store in airtight containers.

BASIC UNCOOKED VANILLA FONDANT

Steps:

• In medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, butter, cream and vanilla until well blended.Use immediately as filling for molded candies or shape into 3/4 -inch balls and let stand for 1 hour or until a crust forms before dipping Flavored Fondant: To 1/2 cup basic fondant, add 1/4 teaspoon additional extract of your choice and 2 drops food color.Chocolate Fondant: To 1/2 cup basic fondant, add 1 ounce melted unsweetened chocolate and 1 teaspoon whipping cream. Work in with a metal spatula or wooden spoon. Knead with hands if necessary.Note: The fondants can also be used plain as a filling for dates, or the balls can be immediately rolled in sugar and pressed into plastic molds. Store in airtight containers.