Decorating with Fondant

Fondant is an excellent decorating material for use in making designs with a piping bag. For this application it must be cooler than the usual working temperature when piping the outline (85° to 95°F/29° to 34°C) and quite firm. After bringing the fondant to temperature, add just enough simple syrup to make it pipeable, if needed; it should still hold its shape, however, after it is piped out. For filling in the piped designs, you need to warm the fondant just a little (not over 100°F/38°C), then thin it, as needed, with simple syrup so it will flow out slightly within the outline. To test its consistency, drag the tip of a paring knife along the top of the fondant; the line should remain visible for just a second and then disappear, leaving a smooth surface. Be sure to keep the fondant covered at all times to prevent a skin from forming. Place a wet towel on top of the bowl for shorter periods; pour a small amount of water on top for longer storage.