Fun with Fondant and a Giveaway
You know those big beautiful cakes that you see on all those reality baking shows? With all the different shapes and colors of fondant? I’ve honestly never had ambitions to make anything like that. But I’ve also never given it a shot. When Megan from Delicious Dishings and I were talking about our latest baking date, the idea was thrown out there to play with fondant. We figured it would be a fun first to tackle together.
And, to sweeten the deal, the lovely people at King Arthur Flour offered to send us each a tub of their white fondant to play with. In preparations for our fun with fondant day, I baked up a couple cake layers for each of us (we also decorated some cupcakes, that post will be coming later).
Megan decided to make a fall themed cake, while I decided to make a pink ribbon cake. I had great great ambitions in my mind of what this cake would look like. I wanted a big fat pink swirled ribbon draped over the entirety of my cake. But let me back up a minute.
First, we frosted our cakes with some buttercream. We let the cakes chill in the fridge for a bit while we each rolled out some fondant. To coat the cake, we rolled the fondant fairly thin, about 1/8″ thick. To get the rolled out fondant onto my cake, I folded my fondant in quarters, laid it on top of the cake and unfolded it. This was my first mistake of the day. When I unfolded the fondant, it had little seams in it from the fold. I had hoped to be able to smooth them out, but wasn’t able to. Next time, I’d roll the fondant onto the rolling pin and unroll onto the cake.
The next step was to press down the fondant on the sides of the cake. Megan ended up cutting part of her fondant out and I went with the approach of just continuing to press it down and try to smooth it out. Both strategies ended up working, although we both had some uneven fondant on our cakes.
Next cake the decorations. We both took a small portion of fondant and put a few drops of gel food coloring into it. With our hands, we kneaded the fondant until the color was dispersed. Then we played around with the marbling. I’m sure Megan has some intermediate pictures, but I didn’t get any that day. I basically took a small ball of dark pink and a small ball of light pink. I divided each ball in half and rolled them into a long snake. Then I basically laid the ropes out and twisted them together. Then I just rolled the colors together and flipped and kept rolling and flipping until I got a swirl in my fondant. I rolled out a very large piece and just cut out the pink ribbon with a knife.
I draped the pink ribbon over the cake and I loved it instantly! That’s when I discovered my second mistake (or maybe it was my first in reality). You see, my cake layers were frozen at the beginning of the day. They were defrosting while the plain white fondant sat on the cake. This resulted in my white fondant sweating as the cake layers cooled. This was great in the fact that the pink ribbon stuck to the white fondant without any additional aid.
I then decided that the cake felt a little naked. So I mixed my swirled pink fondant with some white fondant to make more swirls. Then I made the dots to decorate the rest of the cake. I think it turned out pretty nicely for my first fondant cake. I’m not sure I’ll be making any big masterpieces in the near future, but it sure was fun to try something new with a friend.
And NOW, after all of that, comes the good part. The giveaway. King Arthur Flour has generously offered one lucky reader of mine and Megan’s the chance to try playing with fondant themselves. I will choose one entry at random to win one tub of white fondant.
Rules for Giveaway:
– Be sure to follow King Arthur Flour either on Facebook, Twitter, or by subscribing to their newsletter (check the lower right hand corner of their website)
– Leave a comment by 11:59PM (EST) on Friday October 7th answering this question – What do you think about fondant? Love it? Hate it? Peel it off before digging in? Eat it all up?
– Only one entry per person
– US or Canada shipping addresses only
Don’t worry, I’ll post more about the inside of this cake shortly. This post is long enough already…
Don’t forget about my Power of Pink Challenge – make something PINK by the end of the month to raise Breast Cancer Awareness!
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
I need a new hand mixer!
I have been dying get new bedding I found on CSN…this gift card would definitely help!
I’m already a FB fan!
I’d use the GC toward an eco-friendly cookware set! We are in desperate need of new pans 🙂 Thanks for this opportunity!
I’m already a devoted fan on FB 🙂
I would love to get a wine rack!
I just became a FB fan! 🙂
I’d really like a kitchen scale and I could also use a salad spinner. 🙂
I am a FB fan!
I’d probably get some silpat matts or the equivalent.
I’m a facebook fan!
OOOOh I remember this giveaway last time! I still need barstools!! lol!
Love a new hammock!
Definitely need new pots and pans, mine are soooo old!!!
I could spend hours browsing their stores online! I’ve been eying a nice dining room set so I think I would put that gift card towards the dining set.
I’m a fan on facebook!
ljyoung85@gmail.com
I would buy something for my newly decorated room in the basement.
Just moved into a new house. Could use some new decor. I’m feeling lucky:)
P.S. I am a fan of yours on Facebook 🙂
I would use it towards a rice cooker or food processor!
I’d really like a new pizza stone!
I think I’d get some steak knives! We don’t have any and it is grilling season! 🙂
And, of course, I’m a fan on Facebook!
I desperately need storage for my new apartment! I’m moving at the end of this month and my new kitchen has about half the counter space and cabinets as my current kitchen, so I need some drawers and a stand-alone pantry!
I’d use it to get a few nice serving pieces for my kitchen table!
I would love to get a food processor!
I’d probably get a grill pan of some sort. My $10 one from Ikea is looking pretty sad. I would love a Le Crueset cast iron grill pan!
I’m in dire need of some new sheets in the master bedroom!
I’m already a fan on Facebook!
I would buy new baking pans and accessories to go with my Kithen Aid Mixer!
I am already a FB fan!
I want some of those beautiful knives!
I would get new pots. I need them VERY bad!
I just noticed they have a pet section. I think I’d go wild buying stuff for my dog since I have more than enough kitchen stuff!
I’m about to do Jonathan’s room over into a big boy room…a gift card would come in handy to get him some cool things for his room.
Either some Kitchen Gadgets or I would love a hammock!
Oh man, so many things I could get for our new house! I think I would get bedding for our guest room.
I’m a fan on FB too!
I would love to get some new outdoor furniture- we are landscaping the play area outside and would love to sit somewhere instead of the grass while the kiddos play!
I am looking for a console table for my great room!
Am a fan on FB, of course!
I need a new coffee table!
marilyn110999@hotmail.com
oh and i’m already a FB fan
I am now a fan too!
I would totally get an ice cream maker! I think. Maybe. 🙂 I’ve been wanting to make ice cream this year!
Great prize, could use a new juicer!
I need to get some new stuff for my new apartment… pronto!!
I’m a fan on the book of faces!!!
I would put it towards a mixer!
I would like a meat carving board and a carving knife. 🙂
thelittlekitchenblog (at) gmail (dot) com
I’m already an fb fan. Thanks!
I would spend it on some housewarming gifs for my brother. He just bought a new house and needs everything!
I’m a fan on FB too
I would get 2 sets of these baking dishes:
http://www.cookware.com/Le-Creuset-PG071523-17-LEC1831.html
I’m a fb fan too!
I need a Le Creuset dutch oven!!!
There’s so much to decide from? I’d love to get new bedding, some silicone bakeware or accessories for my Kithen Aid Mixer.
I’m already a FB fan!
I would get some fun stuff on my hubby’s wishilst =o)
I would put it towards a KitchenAid mixer, which I have been lusting after FOREVER!
Already a FB Fan! 🙂
I would love some new bedding!
I’m a FB fan
There’s a cute rabbit lawn statue from CSN I have my eye on.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
i would use the gift certificate towards modern wallpaper!!
i am already a fan on facebook!!
I don’t just LIKE Beantown Baker on Facebook, I LOVE you!!
My sad little kitchen is in need of some help. I’d love a gift card to get a little inspiration to try some fun recipes and be my own version of Beantown, in Farmington, Utah!
I would get a new food processor! Awesome giveaway.
I’d buy more kitchen gadgets…probably a mandolin or kitchen scale.
I’m a fan
we need a bed frame!
I would use the GC to get some new curtains.
I would love to get a new bike with a basket. I want to cut down on my driving!
I could always use some more cookware!
I’d use it toward a guidecraft kitchen helper.
I’m redoing my kitchen and would love a new kitchen faucet.
Gena
And I’m a FB fan. 🙂
I’m a brand new fan of Beantown Baker!
I would get a cast iron skillet, cast iron pot and a mini cupcake pan! 🙂
I would put it towards something fun for outside! Maybe a hammock or a fire pit!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Stefibeth @ aol.com
I “Like” you on FB!
Stefibeth @ aol.com
I have been wanting an ice cream maker for some time now. Ooh, and a springform pan. And maybe a new tart dish…
I’m a fan on Facebook!
My sweet great dane, Poppy, needs a new dog bed! Our other dog, Pekoe, decided it would be better ripped up and spread throughout the house.
I would buy every size of turquoise colander they have!!
And I’m a fan on facebook…and everywhere….I LOVE BEANTOWN BAKER!!
Bath linens and Bedroom linens is what I would want!!!!
I am also already a fan on fbook :o)
I would use it for a carryon on item for my trip or maybe a new lap top case!
kshuttle@uoguelph.ca
I would use it toward a ice cream attachment for my kitchenaid – Thanks for the chance to win – Have a great week!
I would definitely buy shoes, shoes, and more shoes!!!
Oh man. I would have to get a new faucet for our bathroom. I’m so tired of the one we have and it’s the last thing we need for our remodel of the bathroom
I would buy a new purse from the CSN luggage store (that’s where they have their purses!!)
I would use it towards a guidecraft play kitchen for my daughter
ykatrina at hotmail dot com
I would get a teapot. I’ve always wanted a really nice teapot.
I’m not a fan of you on Facebook.
I’d buy a laptop sleeve… it’s about time!
i’m a facebook fan:)
I would apply the $60 towards some fitness equipment.
I like csn since we have bought hardwood and recently a dog bed. Wouldn’t mind getting something for my walk in closet. To make it cuter.
I would definitely buy a compound miter saw. Eric and I have both been wanting one since we’ve been building so much furniture lately.
Since it is summer- I would need to find something for outdoor entertaining- perhaps a neat firepit would be awesome.
I would probably apply it towards the travel grill I’ve been coveting all winter!
I’m already a facebook fan!
We’re finishing our basement, so I’d probably use it towards one of the million things we need down there. Maybe lighting or bedding.
I’m a facebook fan!
I would love to get a new dog bed for my puppies!!!
Would love to get a Cuisinart Griddler- had my eye on it for a while.
I am a facebook fan- love to keep up with your yummy posts!
So glad I stumbled on to your blog! I would use it towards a ceiling fan for my enclosed porch
rosesandt at yahoo dot com
We need a 2nd carseat!!
I’m a facebook fan too!
I would probably get $60 worth of toys for my baby girl. She doesn’t need them but they have some cute stuff!
I would put the gift cards towards new bedding for my bedroom! I love CSN!!
I would have to say a stock pot! It is the one missing thing in my kitchen that I long for frequently.
I would get an ice cream maker! I have wanted one for so long and this heat is really getting to me. I’d love to make my own ice cream instead of heading out to JP Licks!
I would put it towards the Bassett silver antique beaded leaner mirror!
elainehearn@live.com
Enter to win a Lime Ricki swimsuit!
clothed much, a modest fashion blog
I would get a crock pot!
So many great things to choose from! Definitely something for the kitchen!
Great giveaway, Jen! I think I’d go with a knife sharpener, I could really use one!
I’d buy a new beach chair, one that reclines and is comfortable for sitting, reading or just listening to the waves.
I would get a food scale!
I would like to get a new sauce pan. My non stick pans are starting to get all gross.
I would use it to get a new ceiling fan in my bedroom (you don’t want to know)LOL!!! Thanks for the great giveaway 🙂
I am a fan of Beantown Baker on Facebook. Username: Renee Richardson 🙂
somehow in moving from tallahassee back to orlando i lost most of my bakingware. i desperately need new mixing bowls and pans!
somehow in moving from tallahassee back to orlando i lost most of my bakingware. i desperately need new mixing bowls and pans!
oops. didnt mean to send that twice. haha. well im already a fb fan!! 🙂
I’d get the Highland Feather Normandy Sheet Set:
http://www.beddingandmore.com/Highland-Feather-K4–HFE1036.html
I became a fan of Beantown Baker on Facebook.
I’d apply it towards the radian65 car seat I need anyways! 🙂
janel_marie at yahoo dot com
following you on facebook
a moms take
janel_marie at yahoo dot com
I’d use the gift certificate to buy a new desk chair!
I’m a FB fan!
I’d love to have this waffle maker: http://www.csnstores.com/087877831005-087877831005-8300100-cce1063.html
Thanks for the opportunity! Love CSN!
If I were to win, I’d use the gift certificate toward:
http://www.csnstores.com/World-Imports-4633-94-WOR1985.html
tsue1136 at yahoo dot com
I follow you via GFC as tsue1136 and also on facebook as Terri S…….e
tsue1136 at yahoo dot com
I need a new carry on for when I travel!
I am already a fan on Facebook! Woot woot!
I would buy some new bathroom linens/towels- we have guests coming in a couple months.
emsfsemsfs(at)gmail.com
I could really use a new rice cooker, since my husband accidentally melted ours by setting it on a hot oven burner by mistake! :)~
I woould get a small pink chandelier for my nursery!
thecanadyfamily@gmail.com
I’d get a grill pan!