I know there's a lot of people out there that just loooove doing fondant, but I tried my first batch last week and was ripping my hair out! So I assured myself it was because I was a first-timer. So I've made 2 batches since then, using a trusted SIMPLE family recipe and just cannot get the hang of it!!

I'm self-taught. I watched my grandma make cakes my whole life, and now that I'm 20, I feel I've learned quite a bit. However, she never ues fondant for the same reason. And this woman has made a cake for every occasion!!

I'm starting a small at-home business for cake decorating in Anchorage Alaska come March. Is it possible to run a successful business without using fondant? I just don't like it at all!!

Robyn

You rang?????

I would recommend NOT making it yourself! Or, make the Marshmallow Fondant (see recipes section). Real, homemade fondant requires a lot of specific steps and can be frustrating. The Marshmallow Fondant is liked by many people because it isn't too sweet and it's EASY and CHEAP to make! If it ever gets tough to work with, throw it in the microwave for 10 seconds or so.

The best thing about fondant is the ability to make things look perfect very easily. I love buying different molds and clay sculpting supplies and using it on fondant. People are so impressed by your work and texture and you get consistent results.

Don't give up on fondant yet!

I think you need to experiment with some pre-made fondant. The wilton would be good for practicing. It does not taste good but is not too expensive. I just purchased some Satin Ice and heard it is even better and does not taste bad. You can order it online if you can not find it locally.
traci

I have had different experiances both times I've done it. Once it was pretty easy, and the other it was VERY difficult. I was definitely wanting to pull my hair out. But...when I watch people do it that are really good at it, I have faith that I can get there. I think it will be a matter of practice practice practice. I think you could get away with not doing fondant in your business, but it might be difficult. You just have to wonder how much business you might lose because of it. Good Luck and I hope that you can figure out without going bald .

I can count on one hand the amount of times that people have requested fondant. So can you run a business with out it, yes of course you can. BUT if no one else around you uses it, it is a skill that is well worth learning. I do sugest you buy some premade so you can see what it should look like and feel like. Wilton fondant is absolutely disgusting, but its very easy to work with and its cheap and available just about everywhere.

I've just started myself with fondant and the first thing I tried was the MMF recipe, I had problems with it sticking and being gooey but it took me about 4 batches before I realized I needed to knead it more and work with it more, like bread dough.

Ever made bread dough? You can screw it up easily, so it takes practise.

I don't like working with fondant either. I made it a couple of times and it turned out great but I just don't like messing with it. I prefer buttercream and royal anyday.
Judy