What Do You Roll Fondant Out On?
Decorating By Bridgette1129 Updated 4 Mar 2012 , 4:58am by nursingnellie
Do you use "The Mat", an Ateco mat, Fat Daddio?
Let me know! I have only used fondant a few times and would love to know what you use! Post links to amazon, etc if possible!
I use a large piece of vinyl I got at a fabric store. This is a controversial method for a lot of people, but I don't make enough cakes to justify buying "the mat". Some people don't like it because it isn't "food safe" plastic. But I figure the fondant isn't on the mat all that long, and the true toxins are released when plastic is heated, which isn't happening in my use. The rolling method I use is simular to "The Mat" though.
I agree with mom2twogirlz... I use the vinyl I got from the fabric store. It was in the table cloth section, and the lady told me she didn't think it wasn't food safe, especially because it was meant for covering tables (which we would then place food on). Also, like she said, plastic only releases toxins when heated and we definitely don't do that when rolling fondant. I coated mine in a light layer of shortening, then roll it out between 2 pieces similar to what you would do with the Mat and I get gret results every time!
I do as Leah_s and also at times use vinyl that i was taught with famous teachers. I don,t have "the mat" . Rolling on the counter and then picking it up is easy for me.
I agree with mom2twogirlz... I use the vinyl I got from the fabric store. It was in the table cloth section, and the lady told me she didn't think it wasn't food safe, especially because it was meant for covering tables (which we would then place food on). Also, like she said, plastic only releases toxins when heated and we definitely don't do that when rolling fondant. I coated mine in a light layer of shortening, then roll it out between 2 pieces similar to what you would do with the Mat and I get gret results every time!
Lady at Walmart doesn't know what she's talking about.............
Soft vinyl contains phthalates and that's an issue in itself (they're known carcinogens and were removed from teething rings because this), but fact is, vinyl that isn't meant to come into contact with food--and tablecloths are meant to come into contact with PLATES, NOT the actual food--can be made from contaminated sources of re-cycled polyvinyl chloride products. It can contain many things, not the least of which is traces of metal.
You do creates some heat--from friction--when rolling out fondant. How much does it take to "release the toxins"? I don't know.............
Rationalize all you want, but now that you know there is a truly FOOD SAFE vinyl alternative--The Mat--why skimp for want of $15+shipping?
When you know better, do better.
Rae
I roll out on my stainless steel counters liberally dusted with cornstarch. Then flop the fondant over the rolling pin and lay it on the cake.
Thanks for all the replies. Seems like I should get the mat. It's the cheapest "mat" out there too. All the fondant ones are $30-70.
I have the mat, was super excited to get it...
Fast forward a year & I rarely use it. It's a pain to get out, still gets the counter greasy, & I don't like that I can't "feel" what I'm doing! Unless it's a huge cake, it's the counter for me!
I use freezer paper - either dusted with PS or smeared with shortening. I tape it down to my table or counter, and I absolutely love it. Sometimes I'll sandwich the fondant between two sheets. Then I just take up the tape after I roll it out and can pick up the whole paper if necessary. Works great, is cheap, and makes cleanup SO easy!
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%