Tuesday, August 9, 2016


Here is a quick 'how-to' for making MMF (marshmallow fondant)
Before you start, lay out two pieces of saran wrap flat on the table
It's best to do this before your hands get all sticky!
In large bowl - add 1 bag mini marshmallows (don't use the big ones) + 2 Tbsp. water
  melt in 30 second intervals til they look like marshmallow fluff
  use a butter knife to stir - less surface area - easier to stir
Mix in < 1/4 c. solid crisco - (I don't measure - that would be one more dirty dish) 
Stir til melted and add 1/2 cap of Wilton clear butter flavoring
You can use the brown vanilla, but your fondant may take on an ivory shade
Pour in about about a cup of powdered sugar (no need to measure)
Mix with the knife until the sugar is worked in
Put 1/2 of the goop on one piece of the saran wrap
Pour in more sugar and work/knead in with your hands
When it's a nice smooth, non-sticky texture, wrap it in the a piece of plastic wrap
Don't keep adding sugar until it's too stiff because it will harden up over the next
  24 hours and you don't want it to be too stiff to work with
Dump the other pile of goop into the bowl, add more sugar, & repeat
When you are done, you'll have 2 nice packages of fondant
This can and should be made well in advance of when it's needed
Store leftovers in the frig if not using for a while
Let come to room temp before using

Quick Buttercream frosting for cupcakes
1 c. shortening (can be all solid Crisco, all butter, or a mix)
1 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. clear flavoring
up to 1/4 c. hot water
start mixing on low
gradually add 3 more cups powdered sugar
when all the sugar is incorporated, scrape the sides well
mix on low for 2 minutes
Buttercream can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer 

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

College for Kids 2016



Recipes for a little fun in the kitchen...
Goop
1c. cornstarch
1/3c. water
mix well
goes from solid to liquid in your hand
Silky Playdough
2c. cornstarch
1c. hair conditioner
mix well
add more cornstarch if it's too runny
Moon Sand
4c. flour
1/2c. baby oil
add more oil if it doesn't stick together a bit
Dish soap silly putty
2Tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/2Tbsp. dish soap
add more cornstarch if it's too runny
Flubber (this one was not much fun)
1 tsp. betamucil + 8oz. water
microwave it until it starts to overflow
repeat this 4 to 5 times
it ends up like snot

Porcelain clay - great for Christmas ornaments or gift tie-ons
mix in a small pot on the stove over medium heat
1/2c. cornstarch
1 c. baking soda
3/4 c. water
stir until it starts to thicken and dry out
remove from heat and knead when it's cool enough to handle
can be air dried after making
Flubber Soap
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup hand soap
– 3Tbsp oil (baby oil was better)
mix til it thickens pull of a piece and lather to use
Bouncy Ball
Label one cup 'Borax Solution' and the other cup 'Ball Mixture'.
Pour 2 Tbsp warm water and 1/2 tsp borax-Stir
Pour 1 Tbsp glue into ball cup - Add 1/2 tsp of borax solution and 1 Tbsp cornstarch. Do not stir. 
Allow the ingredients to interact on their own for 10-15 seconds and then stir them together to fully mix. 
Once the mixture becomes impossible to stir, take it out of the cup and start molding the ball with your hands.