Rolled Marshmallow Fondant Food

MARSHMALLOW FONDANT

Steps:

• Combine the marshmallows and 1 1/2 teaspoons water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted and smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Add about three-quarters of the sifted confectioners' sugar into the marshmallow mixture and stir to combine. Once the mixture becomes too stiff to stir, grease your counter and hands with shortening (or wear greased plastic, disposable gloves) and dump the mixture onto the counter. Knead, adding the remaining quarter of confectioners' sugar, a little at a time, until the fondant is very smooth, not sticky and holds its shape into a ball without relaxing. Use right away or grease it lightly with additional shortening, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight plastic bag or container at room temperature for up to several days.

MARSHMALLOW FONDANT

Steps:

• Place the butter in a shallow bowl, and set aside.
• Place the marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on High for 30 seconds to 1 minute to start melting the marshmallows. Carefully stir the water and vanilla extract into the hot marshmallows, and stir until the mixture is smooth. Slowly beat in the confectioners' sugar, a cup at a time, until you have a sticky dough. Reserve 1 cup of powdered sugar for kneading. The dough will be very stiff.
• Rub your hands thoroughly with butter, and begin kneading the sticky dough. As you knead, the dough will become workable and pliable. Turn the dough out onto a working surface dusted with confectioners' sugar and continue kneading until the fondant is smooth and no longer sticky to the touch, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Form the fondant into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. To use, allow the fondant to come to room temperature, and roll it out onto a flat surface dusted with confectioners' sugar.

MARSHMALLOW FONDANT FLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES

Steps:

• For the marshmallow fondant: combine the marshmallows and 1 tablespoon water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Pour about three-quarters of the sifted confectioners' sugar into the marshmallows and stir to combine. Once the mixture becomes too stiff to stir, grease your counter and hands with shortening (or wear greased latex gloves) and dump the mixture onto the counter. Knead, adding more confectioners' sugar a little at a time, until the fondant is very smooth, not sticky and holds its shape in a ball without relaxing. Use right away or grease it lightly with additional shortening, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several days. (Let return to room temperature before using.)
• For the flowers and butterflies: Divide the fondant into 3 pieces. Working with one piece at a time, made an indentation in the top with your thumb and drop in food coloring (start with about 4 drops). Grease your hands and counter with shortening (or wear greased latex gloves). Knead the dough until the color is even, adding more food coloring if you want it darker. Wrap in plastic while you repeat with the remaining pieces of dough and different colors.
• To make a rose, pinch off a walnut-size ball of the fondant color of your choice. Very lightly dust your work surface with confectioners' sugar (just enough so it doesn't stick; you don't want the fondant to look dusty). Roll the fondant to a scant 1/8-inch thickness. Use a small round cutter (about 1 1/4 inch) and punch out 10 to 12 rounds. Roll the first round around itself to create the inside of the rose. Continue to roll the pieces around each other, starting one petal halfway after the previous. Press the bottom together and peel the petals back slightly to open the rose.
• To make a daisy, pinch off a walnut-size ball of the fondant color of your choice. Very lightly dust your work surface with confectioners' sugar (just enough so it doesn't stick; you don't want the fondant to look dusty). Roll to a scant 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 6-petal flower cutter (any size between 2 and 2 1/2 inches) to cut out as many flowers as you can. Use a toothpick to press a line down the center of each petal. For each flower, roll some fondant in a contrasting color into a ball slightly smaller than the center of the flower. Press to flatten slightly and poke the top all over lightly with a toothpick . Brush the bottom lightly with water and stick it in the center of the flower. Lay the flowers inside an egg carton to dry so the petals stand up, 2 to 3 hours.
• To make a butterfly, pinch off a walnut-sized ball of the fondant color of your choice. Very lightly dust your work surface with confectioners' sugar (just enough so it doesn't stick; you don't want the fondant to look dusty). Roll the fondant to a scant 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 6-petal flower cutter (any size between 2 and 2 1/2 inches) to cut out a few daisy shapes. Cut and remove the top and bottom petal with a paring knife, leaving a V-shaped notch; the 4 remaining petals should look like a butterfly's wings. Pinch off 4 tiny pieces of fondant in a different color and roll into balls. Flatten to make spots for the butterfly's wings and attach to the wings, using a little water to adhere. Pinch off a small piece of fondant in a third color and roll into a snake about 2 inches long. Snip the top third in half lengthwise with scissors and pull apart to make antennae. Attach to the body with a little water. Lay a piece of parchment over a rolling pin and lay the butterfly on it, face-down, to dry, about 4 hours and up to overnight.

ROLLED FONDANT

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.

ROLLED MARSHMALLOW FONDANT

Steps:

• Melt marshmallows and 2 tbs. of water in microwave or double boiler. (Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between until the marshmallow is melted. Usually a total of 1 minute.).
• Mix ¾ of the powder sugar with the melted marshmallow.
• Grease your hands with Crisco and knead the mixture, gradually adding the remaining sugar for at least 8 minutes.
• You can add food coloring at this point. Working it in the mixture.
• You may refrigerate, double wrapped in plastic for weeks if you want, when ready to use just reheat in microwave for about 10-20 seconds. DO NOT FREEZE Fondant.
• Your cake must be completely cooled, add a thick coating of icing to the cake. (gives a smooth finsh and helps fondand to adhere to the cake. Figure what size you need to cover your cake. (9 inch cake with 3 inch sides 3+9+3=15 plus 1 for extra so you need a 16 inch circle cut.).
• Do not store cake in refrigerator once the fondant is placed on cake. Moisture will destroy the surface. Store in a sealed container.

ROLLING FONDANT

Steps:

• Place gelatin and water in a small saucepan over low heat and melt it. Combine the remaining ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the melted gelatin to the mixer and beat at low speed until combined. This will form a paste or dough. Place in the refrigerator for a few minutes to let harden slightly.
• Use a rolling pin and roll the fondant to a thickness of about 1/4-inch thick. Use cornstarch to "flour" the work surface and the rolling pin. Roll the fondant around the rolling pin to transfer it to the top of the cake.
• The next task will be easier if you use a turntable. Place the fondant over the cake and unroll it. Use your fingers to gently position the fondant and smooth the top and sides. Be careful to avoid folds. It may be easier if you gently stretch it into place. Use a paring knife and cut away the excess using the bottom of the cake as the guide. Reserve the rest for a future cake.

ROLLED FONDANT

Steps:

• In a large bowl (do not use metal), sift the sugar and make a well in the center. In a small saucepan, add the water and sprinkle the gelatin on top to soften for about 5 minutes. Begin to heat the gelatin and stir until the gelatin is dissolved and clear. Do not boil. Turn off the heat and add the glucose and glycerine, stirring until well blended. Add the flavoring. Pour into the well of sugar, and mix until all of the sugar is blended. Use hands to knead icing until it becomes stiff. Add small amounts of confectioner's sugar if the mixture is sticky.
• Form the mixture into a ball and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Place in an airtight container. This icing works best if allowed to rest at room temperature for about eight hours before using, particularly if the weather is humid. Do not refrigerate.
• To cover a cake with fondant: Dust a clean pastry cloth, or a smooth, clean surface, with cornstarch and roll the fondant with a rolling pin until it is approximately 1/4 inch thick. Make sure that the fondant is large enough to fit over the top and sides of the cake. Slide both hands under the fondant and carefully center it on top of a cake that has been freshly iced with buttercream. (The icing makes the fondant adhere to the cake.)
• Dust your hands with cornstarch and smooth the fondant, starting at the top and working down the sides until the entire surface is even and flat. Cut off the excess icing around the bottom of the cake with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Decorate the cake with buttercream or royal icing. This fondant keeps a cake fresh for two days at room temperature. Do not refrigerate a cake with fondant icing.

FONDANT MARSHMALLOWS

Steps:

• Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Divide fondant into as many pieces as colors that you would like to have. Knead food coloring, 1 drop at a time, into fondant. Sprinkle work surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar. Flatten fondant into a square and roll it out until it is 1/4-inch thick, rotating it so that it does not stick. Pierce any bubbles with a fork. Brush off excess sugar with a pastry brush.
• With a knife, cut fondant into pieces just large enough to wrap each marshmallow. Stick each marshmallow on the end of each popsicle stick. Roll fondant around each marshmallow, pressing lightly to seal.

ROLLED FONDANT

Steps:

• Pour water into a microwave safe bowl.
• Add gelatin and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Microwave for 20 second intervals until gelatin is dissolved.
• Add corn syrup and stir with fork.
• Add shortening and stir until melted.
• If shortening doesn't melt, microwave for 10 second intervals.
• Add flavoring(s).
• Pour your powdered sugar into a large bowl, making a well in the center.
• Add liquid mixture to powdered sugar.
• Using a greased wooden spoon carefully fold powdered sugar.
• Turn out fondant on to a greased surface and knead like bread dough.
• If fondant is dry add more shortening.
• If fondant is too sticky add more powdered sugar 1 tbsp at a time.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and thin place in a zip lock bag; even better if you can vacuum seal it.
• Let sit for 24 hours; if you don't it will be too soft and sticky.

EASY MIXER FONDANT (ROLLED)

Steps:

• Place the cold water in a small microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle the gelatin on top, stirring it to distribute it. Let the gelatin set and soften for two minutes. Once set, microwave the gelatin for 15 seconds until it liquefies. Do not boil!
• Stir the corn syrup, glycerin, and vanilla extract into the gelatin. Microwave for an additional 15 seconds, then stir again until the mixture is smooth and clear.
• Add optional food color, and stir.
• Place 1.5 pounds of the powdered sugar in the bowl of a large stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and make a well in the center. Pour the melted gelatin mixture over the corn syrup into the well.
• Mix on low speed until the liquid is incorporated. With the mixer running, gradually add the rest of the powdered sugar. Use a paper plate or flexible cutting mat to make this easier. Scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl to ensure all is incorporated.
• Fondant will be very sticky and thick. Don't worry this is normal! Tightly double wrap it in cling-wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
• After 24 hours roll out and apply to cake.
• Note: I use a mixture of corn starch and powdered sugar in a sifter when I roll out the fondant. Put some of the mix on your surface and rolling pin before rolling. Use the sifter to occasionally add more to the rolling pin and rolling surface. Also, turn the fondant 1/2 to 1/4 turn after a few rolls. This will keep you from having sticking problems later.