Frugal Family FONDANT Fun (couldn't help myself!)

Valentines Day Frugal Fun! Fondant can be used to make almost any shape you can imagine. Use cookie cutters (like heart shaped for your Valentine) or just play with it like play-dough to form 3D shapes (like the cute little bugs on the cake below)- For the "Mario" theme- I just rolled out the fondant and cut out my circles (with a glass) then shaped the face and details with my hands while looking at a picture. The kids had their own batch and played beside me for hours!



 Fondant - used by professionals to make some of the world's best cakes- well, let's just say - it isn't known for its great taste! It also carries a hefty price tag- but here's a recipe that tastes great, is fun to make, and is cheap cheap cheap!

I use a half a bag of mini marshmallows at a time. Place them in a microwave safe dish with 2 tsp. of water. Microwave for 30 second increments and stir in between until they are melted. Prepare clean counter top- CRISCO- lots of Crisco- melted marshmallows are VERY sticky.

I start with a couple of cups of sifted powdered sugar and add it into the marshmallows. As you get it stirred in, the marshmallows will begin to bind with it so you can turn it out onto the greased counter top.

Grease your hands well with Crisco- and begin to knead the marshmallow mix while continuing to add more powdered sugar. I use a little more than half of a large bag of powdered sugar. It will take about 15 minutes to get it just right. You can add food coloring and extract (I like vanilla or lemon) just a few drops will do!

The best part is that you taste along the way to make sure you're doing a good job! If you need to store the fondant- be sure to grease the outside a bit and place in plastic bag in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature before rolling out and use greased counter with sprinkled powder sugar so it won't get sticky.

I am picturing some cute little creatures sitting on top of Valentine cupcakes.......... hummm- can't wait to see what the boys come up with!