Marshmallow Fondant
1 pckge (16 oz or 9 cups) white mini marshmallows
2-5 Tblsp water
2 lbs (about 8 cups) sifted powdered sugar (I skipped the sifting part)
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
Place marshmallows and water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds on high; stirring until mixed well. Continue microwaving 30 seconds more; stir again. Continue until melted, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Place 3/4 of the powdered sugar (about 7 cups) on top of the melted marshmallow mixture. Fold sugar into marshmallow mixture. Flavoring can be added at this point if desired. Place solid vegetable shortening in easily accessed bowl so you can reach into it with fingers as you are working. Grease hands and counter GENEROUSLY; turn marshmallow mixture onto counter. Start kneeding like you would dough. Continue kneading, adding additional confectioners sugar and re-greasing hands and counter so the fondant doesnt stick. If the marshmallow fondant is tearing easily, it is too dry; add water (about 1/2 Tblsp at a time) kneading until fondant forms a firm, smooth elastic ball that will stretch without tearing, about 8 minutes.
Its best to allow fondant to sit, double wrapped, overnight. Prepare the fondant for storing by coating with a thin layer of solid vegetable shortening, wrap in plastic wrap and then place in resealable bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Marshmallow Fondant will keep well in refrigerator for several weeks if needed. If using within a few days dont put in refrigerator, keep in dark, cool place like a pantry.
When not working with fondant, make sure to keep it covered with plastic wrap or in a bag to prevent it from drying out. When ready to use, knead fondant until smooth. Roll out fondant 1/8 inch thick.
To color fondant, if you need to tint the entire batch add a little icing color to the melted marshmallow mixture before adding powdered sugar. For smaller amounts of tinted fondant, add icing color to portions of fondant as needed. I used 2 batches of fondant to make the cake in this picture, 9 inch cakes and about 4 inch cakes and had plenty left over. One batch goes a long way. EnJOY!
