Cupcakes with silver fondant stars
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Fondant is a thick dough used in cake decorating. Unlike frosting, which has a one-dimensional feel, fondant lets you make characters, ribbons, bows and other three-dimensional objects. Adding a small amount of gel food coloring turns the ordinary white fondant into bright colors suitable for wedding cakes, birthday cake and any other special occasion cakes. Making silver fondant takes a little more work, but gives the cake an elegant feel.

Dip your hand into the fondant container and remove the dough. Roll it between your hands, warming up the dough and making it soft. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter, twist the fondant into a round shape and set it on the plastic wrap.

Press your thumb into the center of the fondant, creating a small dent. Dip a wood toothpick into the black gel food coloring, coating the end with the color. Press the toothpick against the dent in the fondant.

Knead the fondant by pulling the top up and pressing it into the center. Keep kneading the fondant, distributing the color evenly throughout.

Examine the fondant closely and add more black food coloring to increase the darkness of the fondant. If you need more color, use a second toothpick and dab the color against the top and knead again.

Cover your cake with fondant and brush edible pearl dust over the top. The pearl dust has a slight shimmer that picks up the grey tones of the fondant, making it look silver.

Tips

  • For a more three-dimensional silver tone, add a small amount of the pearl dust to the fondant when you add the coloring.

  • Gel food coloring is highly concentrated and stains most surfaces. Using the plastic wrap keeps the color from touching your counters.

  • If the black food coloring isn't mixed properly, then it may have a slight green tinge. Add a small amount of purple or blue coloring to cut back on the green tone.