Marshmallow Fondant
1 16 oz. bag of mini marshmallows (Kraft "Jet puffed" melt the best)
2 lbs. powdered sugar, sifted (Don't forget to sift or it will be lumpy fondant)
2-5 tbsp water
1/2 cup Crisco (in a wide bowl so you can put you hand in!)
1 tsp of flavoring (I use the same flavoring that I'm going to use in the buttercream, usually vanilla)
Rub a nice layer of Crisco in a large microwavable bowl and in you mixer's bowl.
Sift powdered sugar and place about half the bags contents into your mixer bowl. Use a spoon to create a deepish well in the center.
Then place marshmallows, 3 tbsp of water, and flavoring in microwavable bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second increments until the marshmallows are melted, stirring every 30 seconds.
When the marshmallows are melted, pour them into the sugar well. Turn mixer, with paddle attachment on low (so you don't send powdered sugar all over the kitchen!) Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar. As it thickens you can replace the paddle with the bread dough attachment. You may also need to add more water if the mix seems thick. I usually end up using 4 tbsp of water total.
When the sugar and marshmallows are blended, grease you hands and a flat plate, plastic cutting board or your counter VERY well with Crisco. Take the fondant out of the mixer and knead with your hands for a few minutes.
Split the fondant in two balls and cover each in a nice layer of Crisco. Wrap each in plastic wrap and then place in a zip lock bag and refrigerate. I keep it cold for a least 4 hours before working with it. This helps the sugar and marshmallows fully incorporate so you have a nice smooth surface, but if you don't have the time, just knead it very well, and sift the sugar.
When you're ready to roll it out, cover the surface you'll be using with cornstarch to prevent sticking. Roll the fondant to about 1/8 " thickness. I roll it onto the roller and then "roll" it onto the cake.
If you want to color the fondant, just add food coloring or a gel color dye and knead with your hands. Just don't forget the gloves.
Please let me know if I've left out any steps or caused confusion. Next time I make fondant, I'll try to get some pictures of the steps!
