Tiffany Box

Last week's class assignment was to create a bow cake using fondant. I wanted to try making my own fondant. I found a recipe online and made it the night before.




Rolled Fondant
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe-Tools/Print/PrintFull.aspx?RecipeID=7930&servings=16

INGREDIENTS:
1 (.25 ounce) package
unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1/2 cup glucose syrup
1 tablespoon glycerin
(I substituted 1/2 corn syrup for the glucose and only used 3 Tbsp water and omitted the glycerin)
2 tablespoons shortening
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
8 cups sifted confectioners'
sugar

extra shortening for kneading

DIRECTIONS:
1. Combine gelatin and cold water; let stand until thick. Place gelatin mixture in top of double boiler and heat until dissolved.
2. Add glucose and glycerin, mix well. Stir in shortening and just before completely melted, remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Mixture should cool until lukewarm.
3. Place 4 cups confectioners' sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and using a wooden spoon, stir in the lukewarm gelatin mixture. Mix in sugar and add more a little at a time, until stickiness disappears. Knead in remaining sugar. Knead until the fondant is smooth, pliable and does not stick to your hands. If fondant is too soft, add more sugar; if too stiff, add water (a drop at a time). Use fondant immediately or store in airtight container in fridge. When ready to use, bring to room temperature and knead again until soft.

I recommend letting it sit for 24 hours before using. Cover your hands with shortening and knead until soft. Add more shortening as it gets dry or sticky.

This recipe is fantastic! The more you knead it the more it looks and feels like the store bought stuff but at a fraction of the price. My other classmates spent $20 on the boxed stuff but you can make this recipe for under $5. It also tastes much better.

The only thing I would suggest is not adding gumtex. It made the bow too brittle and it cracked. I ended up using some store bought fondant for the bow.

The inspiration for this creation is the Tiffany's jewelry box. Maybe someday I will get the real thing. lol! The cake is chocolate and vanilla swirl.