Fondant can transform a plain, flat cake into a 3-D masterpiece that will impress your guests. The sugar paste can be molded in the same manner as clay to create simple shapes to intricate designs. Use the fondant to create whimsical monkeys that can be placed atop a cake decorated with a jungle theme -- ideal for both genders. The birthday cake is the center of a celebration, and if done correctly, can bring great joy to its recipient. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Separate fondant into two 1-ounce balls and one 1/2-ounce ball.
2. Knead a few drops of dark brown coloring into the 1-ounce balls until completely blended and the desired color is reached. Knead a few drops of light brown coloring into the 1/2-ounce ball until well blended and the desired color is reached.
3. Create a marble-sized ball from each of the 1-ounce balls. Form a pear-shaped piece, about 2 inches in height from each of the dark brown balls. These will be the bodies. Insert a toothpick into the center of each and down into the cakeboard to keep the bodies stable.
4. Mix a small amount of gum paste powder with water into a small bowl. Affix the marble ball as a head to the top of each pear-shaped piece.
5. Roll out two small pieces of the light brown fondant about 1/8-inch thick. Use the small flower cutter to cut out a flower shape from each.
6. Remove three of the flowers and use the remaining two petals attached to the flower center to form the eyes. Form a small rectangle with rounded corners for the nose and mouth piece. Repeat these steps to create two sets of faces.
7. Attach the eye piece to the front of the monkey with the gum paste mixture with a paintbrush. Then, attach the nose piece in the same manner.
8. Draw two dots for a nose with the end of a paintbrush on both monkey faces. Form a circular mouth with the paintbrush end underneath the nose. Gently press with the end of the paintbrush into the eye piece to form sockets.
9. Roll plain fondant pieces into four tiny balls and glue into the socket holes with the gum paste mixture. Dye a small amount of fondant with the black coloring, and roll out four balls for the pupils.
10. Mark holes on the side of the monkey heads for the ears. Create four small, teardrop-shaped pieces with the dark brown fondant. Dab glue into the ear holes, and gently place the ends of the teardrops into the holes. Press into the center of the ears gently with the end of a paintbrush to shape.
11. Roll out the dark brown fondant into eight sausages, 1 1/4-inch long and 1/4-inch thick. Cut out fingers and toes with the knife.
12. Glue the arms and legs onto the body. Bend the ends of the limbs to make hands and feet. Arrange into your desired shape. For example, the monkeys can wave.
Tags: with paintbrush, dark brown, 1-ounce balls, brown fondant, from each, 2-ounce ball