How to Make Fondant

Fondant can turn your cake into an elegant and beautiful dessert. The method outlined below will result in a flawless creation that you'll make over and again. Remember, when it comes to fondant, practice makes perfect. If you don't get it the first time, keep trying and eventually you'll be a fondant expert.

Preparation:

Ensure you are working in room temperature. If the environment is too hot or too cold, your fondant won't turn out as it should. Prepare a clean, smooth working surface for making your fondant. A clean cutting board or paper grocery bags spread on a table work well. Remove all rings and bracelets before beginning and prepare to get your hands dirty!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon gelatin (unflavored)

¼ cup cold water

1 teaspoon almond extract

½ cup light corn syrup

1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin

2 pounds 10x confectioner's sugar

½ teaspoon vegetable shortening such as Crisco (Don't use lard!)

Plastic wrap

Plastic Tupperware container

Instructions:

1.) Add the gelatin to the cold water in a small microwave safe container. Do not stir but sprinkle the gelatin into the water. Cover and let stand for about two minutes.

2.) Place the container of gelatin and water in the microwave. Set temperature to high and microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the gelatin has dissolved.

3.) Add the corn syrup and vegetable glycerin to the container of water and gelatin. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and clear. It may be necessary to microwave the mixture for an additional 10-20 seconds to achieve the correct consistency. Don't skip this step or your fondant won't work.

4.) Place 1 ½ pounds of the sugar in a large bowl. Carve a hole in the center of the sugar and pour the gelatin mixture inside the hole.

5.) Gently knead the fondant with your hands. Add more sugar if necessary until the mixture is pliable and smooth.

6.) Knead the vegetable shortening into the fondant with your thumbs. This can take several minutes. Make sure to knead well and combine all of the shortening before moving on. Don't leave any lumps of shortening (or any other ingredient).

7.) Wrap the fondant in plastic wrap and place in a sealed, plastic Tupperware container. If the fondant becomes dry, microwave for a few seconds to restore moisture and knead until the desired consistency is reached. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for later use.