Everest...

Have you ever had a project that you wanted to complete, but the task seemed too daunting? For some, it is climbing Mt. Everest or going to graduate school. For others it is as simple as learning how to knit or to finish writing a book.

Ever since I started baking, I have wanted to learn how to work with fondant. That is my Everest. Nothing too terrible, but I feared it! I watch shows like Cake Boss (my favorite!) and Ace of Cakes, and it looks so easy when they do it. But I worried about my own abilities. Besides, they have kitchens full of wonderful tools. I do not.

This weekend I decided to face my fear. I found a recipe for fondant and jumped in. I wish I had taken pictures of the process but it was impossible because I was up to my elbows in marshmallow and sugar. And my camera would have been covered with sticky mess and I would not have been happy. Let's just say that I was a (hot) mess. Just as I was about to give up, the fondant hardened and started working!! I stuck it in the fridge and prayed that it would be ok.

The next day, I made a cake, slapped the fondant on it and served it for dessert. I didn't get a picture of the finished product (as a whole cake) and finally took a picture of the cake after we had dug in.

Oh, and I should say that next time I make this, I will experiment with colors. I just didn't want to get over my head....

So here you go:
A little closer...Maybe a little closer...(and yes, that is Quinn in the background)
I would call this a success and am thrilled that it was much easier than I expected!! Thanks to those who tried it and helped me figure out the right flavoring for the cake, the frosting, and the fondant.

The fondant recipe can be found HERE.