Fun with Marshmallow Fondant

I'm going to start this marshmallow fondant recipe with a disclaimer:  it makes a mess and it requires upper body strength.

If you're okay with that...proceed.  I've never worked with marshmallow fondant before, but my friend Cat suggested we make a special cake for our friend Liz's bridal shower.  Decorating with fondant takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you can let your creative juices flow.  I'm already thinking of reasons to make it again...in someone else's kitchen ;)

Pretty Lizzie cutting her cake

Marshmallow Fondant
8 oz mini marshmallows
1 lb powdered sugar
2 tbsp water
Food coloring (if needed)
1 container store-bought icing
Cake of your choice

In a microwave-safe bowl, mix marshmallows with the water and microwave on high for 1 minute.  Remove the bowl and stir with a spatula.  Repeat this process until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth.

Coat a flat surface with powdered sugar.  I recommend using the countertop (it's gonna get messy anyway) but if you're a bit more type A, use a large cutting board.  Pour the melted marshmallows on the surface followed by about a quarter of the bag of powdered sugar on top.  Begin to kneed.  It will be VERY sticky and difficult to work with.  I also recommend having a second person help with the pouring - or else the mess will be greater.

Just workin' through it

The best powdered sugar pourer this side of the Mississippi.

Continue this process until all sugar is incorporated.  As you add more sugar, the mixture will become more dough-like and tougher to work with.  It's imperative that all sugar is mixed in - keep on working it in and remember all of the calories you'll burn prior to consuming entirely too much sugar :)

If you want to color the dough, add a few drops of food coloring as you work in the sugar (we used blue to match Liz's wedding colors).  Once the mixture is smooth and not sticky, form a ball.  Begin to roll it out on a piece of parchment paper.   This, too, requires upper body strength.  Good thing Cat is the strongest female I know...

Check out those guns!

Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.  Cut into any shape you want.  Ice the cake with the store-bought icing.  This will give you more flexibility with fondant placement - without the icing, the fondant will stick to the cake and you won't be able to move it should you make a mistake.  Cover the cake to your hearts desire...serve proudly and with love.

Enjoy!