When I posted about planning Aidan's party, I got several suggestions for things to try, including marshmallow fondant. And I do so love to overestimate my abilities a challenge, so I decided to give it a whirl. Everyone said it was very easy to work with (easier than regular fondant) and tasted better too. A win-win situation, right?
I followed this recipe at Allrecipes.com (don't scroll through the sample photos if you lack crafty skills like I do, they'll just fill you with rage and feelings of inadequacy). I will say that the actual preparation of the fondant was easy peasy, even if it was a little messy at the beginning.
At this point, I was feeling pretty awesome. Maybe a little too awesome... obviously the crafty universe needed to return me to my box of shame.
(Photo from Despicable Me, which is actually HI-larious.)
Today I decided to actually assemble the cupcakes in advance because I learned my lesson last year before Wesley's party when the frosting separated and I had a miniature nervous breakdown.
To be entirely, completely and 100% honest, making cupcake toppers from the fondant wasn't a complete nightmare. I'm sure I would get better at it the more I tried, but I'm also not sure I would take the time and put forth the effort to make fancy cupcakes like this in the future. Sprinkles are sooo much easier. Or paper/toothpick toppers. Or ordering cupcakes from a bakery.
Making the stars was really simple and at that point I was still having fun and thinking that perhaps I was super crafty and domestic after all.
When I got to the mushrooms though?
Holy fondant madness, Batman.
The entire mushroom section of the process is the reason why I have mixed feelings about this whole fondant thing. The red took forever to color, I had to add water and more powdered sugar to keep the consistency, my kids made the unlucky decision to walk into the kitchen in the middle of it and were treated to a scene right out of "The Exorcist" and the whole idea of smooshing multiple pieces of fondant together to create a design is apparently way over my head.
We're talkin' miles over my head, people. Miles.
I built a bridge though, I got over it, and then I uploaded photos so that I could put off cleaning the powdered sugar tornado in my kitchen for a few minutes.
I think Aidan will love his cupcakes tomorrow, and that does make me happy. I think I might have to try it at least once more, for Wesley's party this year... but after that I might close the marshmallow fondant chapter in my book of life.
What about you guys -- have you ever worked with fondant? Do you think it's crazy or do you think I'm a big baby? Or, even better, do you have any tips for me that will make the process easier when I have to make it again later this year?
12 comments:
Your mushrooms look okay in the photo, and I bet they're tasty! Give it another try!
PS...did you use gel colours or liquid food colour? Gel is usually a little more intense.
I used gel, and it took for-ever.
Thank you for this, the timing couldn't be better. I'm working on my son's birthday cake (for tomorrow) and couldn't figure out how to make the flames for the side. I didn't want to use regular fondant because I don't like the taste but the candy melts weren't working either. I'll give this a try tonight!
It all looks great! Red is a hard color to achieve. Those cupcakes are going to be a hit!
(ohmigosh, what have I spawned??) You are amazing, daughter. I am gobsmacked, and I mean that in the best possible way. Holy fondant madness indeed! I LOVE the red mushrooms -- bet the boys will too.
xoxo,
your mom who will never ever make fondant
You are amazing! I would have been to scared to even try!
You couldn't pay me to make fondant! I like to bake and am good at it but I stick to buttercream icing and just glop it on with a spatula. It doesn't have to be pretty to taste good I say! You're so brave!
Haha! My daughter is turning 3 next month and has her little heart set on a fondant Dora cake. So I too have been eyeing the marshmallow fondant and thinking how hard can it be? I am so glad you posted this, perhaps I will stick to a simple design.
Looks beautiful... I love the mushrooms very cute. I can't wait to see the cupcake...
they were delish! i had two! (:
Hi Anna, saw this blog and had to peep at your fondant. I use MM fondant all the time to decorate my cakes. One thing I do not do though, is beat it with the mixer. It just makes an evil mess. The next time you try it, just take your pk of marshmallows ( I use 24 large mm per small batch)and put them in a large microwave safe bowl. Pour 2 tbsp water over and give the mm a toss, enough to coat the mm in the water. heat on high for about 2 min ( check every 30 sec) until the marshmallows are smooth and no bumps in it. Then, gradually add your icing sugar ( Usually adds to be about 3-3 1/2 cups). Mix with a Silicone spatual ( less stick). Once you feel as though it is pulling, and you find it a little hard to stir, knead the dough while it is still in your bowl (cuts down on having too many dirty surfaces), then add your color and create. Make sure you have shortening close by, it will become your friend :)If you make figures, make sure to use some gum tex, it will harden it a little and give it the stiffness to stay in place. Hope this helps you out for the next time. Don't give up on it. :D
red is extremely difficult, i always use the pre-made red fondant. i work with nothing but fondant for every cake i do trust me it gets easier the more you work with it. But i have to say i never made my own fondant and from the sounds of it i probably wont lol thanks for the info.
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