I love the Food Network and will pretty much watch anything that comes on. However, one of my favorites is "The Challenge" when they have cake showdowns. I am always amazed at the things they come up with. While I love to cook, baking is not really my favorite. I have always wanted to take cake decorating classes and learn how to create amazing cakes using fondant. Since I don't really have the time to do that yet I decided I would try it on my own first. Since I really was trying to concentrate on the decorating aspect, I used a box mix for the actually cupcake part. I found an easy fondant recipe online and decided since I was bored anyway I would try it. I was surprised at how easy it was and how much I liked it. I think they came out pretty good for my first try! I can't wait to do it again soon and experiment with color and different decorations.
Fondant Icing Easy Recipe
10 oz bag of mini marshmallows
1lb box of confectioner's sugar
In a large mixing bowl, pour the entire bag of marshmallows and 2tbsp of water. Microwave at 30 second intervals mixing between. It shouldn't take more than 3 or 4 intervals to fully melt. Coat hands and counter top in vegetable shortening (mixture becomes very sticky). Add entire box of sugar a little at a time while kneading dough. Once the mixture is completely mixed, place back in bowl to rest.
The mixture is ready to use after sitting for a few minutes. It is important that cake or cupcakes are completely cooled down before using the fondant. The fondant can be refrigerated but can't go in the freezer.
Frost cake or cupcakes as you would normally. Roll the fondant out with a greased rolling pin. Be careful not to fold the fondant. Once it is rolled out you can cut the fondant to fit your cake.
To create flowers, take a piece of fondant and roll it into a tube. fold it in half to create individual flowers.
