my first big cake - help?

by eva
(redwood city california)

Hi,

I'm trying to make a 3 tiered graduation cake. I don't know whether to use fondant or just icing.

I also wanted to know if it would be possible to make fondant with a hand mixer. I don't have a stand mixer and I don't know if I can get one in time. The cake is for a party on June 12 and this is my first time baking a really big cake.

Any advice?

Thanks,

Eva

From the editor:

Hi Eva,

You can make marshmallow fondant without a mixer. The fondant can actually be kneaded by hand. It just take s a little longer. You basically pile the powdered sugar in the middle of a large, clean work surface and make a well in the center. Add the melted marshmallows and water and gradually knead in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you have smooth fondant.

There is another solution:

Frost the cake in buttercream and add decorations made from modeling chocolate. Modeling chocolate is easier to make - no mixer required, and it tastes better than fondant. It's also easier to work with, since it doesn't dry out quickly like fondant, so you have a very long working time.

Good luck and don't forget to take lots of pictures so you can come back here and share your cake masterpiece with us.

Regards,
Michelle (editor)