Marshmallow Fondant

by Sharon Evans
Sharon Evans
I'm a self-taught baker and have done designer cookies for several years.  I started out baking cookies to treat the gang at work on holidays.  I got better and better at it and people were telling me, "These are wonderful, you need to go into business."  So, I took them up on it and started Sharon's Edible Art.  Now it's a paying hobby.  I try to design "outside the box" by trying different ideas to bring more 3-D images into the cookies.  I live in Carlsbad, NM.
Marshmallow Fondant
 
1/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
1 lb. white mini-marshmallows
1 t. clear vanilla flavoring
1 t. butter flavoring
2 T. water
2 lbs. powdered sugar
 
Grease the inside of a large microwaveable bowl with Crisco.
 
Put marshmallows, flavorings, and water into the bowl.  Microwave on high for 60 seconds.  If marshmallows are fully melted, move on the next step, if not, stir and return to microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring after each time until all the marshmallows are melted.
 
*** BE CAREFUL.  THE MARSHMALLOWS ARE VERY HOT! ***
 
Fit stand mixer with dough hook.
Add powdered sugar to mixer bowl.
Pour melted marshmallows into mixer and process at a low speed.  
When incorporated, turn speed up and allow dough hook to knead the mixture until it is fully blended.
 
Turn your fondant onto a work surface covered with equal parts cornstarch and powdered sugar (or use powdered sugar only).  
Dust your hands with powdered sugar and knead the fondant into a loaf.  
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and set it aside to cool for at least one hour.
Tint after it has rested.
Keep covered when not in use.