ok, after lots of searching, i found 2 recipes that recur over and over.....i'm not worried so much about TASTE at this point...as much as i am about DURABILITY and RELIABILITY....of these 2 mmf recipes, which have you guys had more success with:
#1:
16 ounces white mini-marshmallows
1 tsp clear vanilla
2-5 tbsp water
2 lbs powdered sugar

#2:
15 oz. mini marshmallows
2 T water
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp light corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp lemon extract
2 lbs (approx 7 C) confectioners sugar, sifted
1/2 C Crisco or vegetable shortening

PLEASE let me know!!!...thank you

I use the first one, but I use 1 tablespoon of clear vanilla and 3 tablespoons of water, or 4 tablespoons of water and 1 dram of Lorann flavoring.

It also takes some crisco, for greasing hands and work surface (or bowl and dough hook depending on your method).

I also use the first recipe. It seems to work just fine for me and has great durability. Make sure you let it "rest" before you use it. It does make a difference.

Taste is a main factor for me. I have actually turned adamant fondant "haters" with the MMF.

Be prepared to use shortening for your hands and bowl!

I use #2, always turns out great and I like the extra pliability the corn syrup adds. Tastes good too.

Have you tried Mac's Mom's version? I used your #2 recipe for a long time, tried Mac's Moms and am hooked! The easiest one to make, best tasting and holds up better than any others I've tried.

I've only used #1, and I do like Texas_Rose. 3 tbls of water and 1 tbls of vanilla or flavor. LOTS of greasing on your bowls and hands. I used to mix in my mixer with the dough hook. But now I do it in a big bowl by hand, and it's much easier for me.

thank you all for your input....would you suggest using store bought fondant for figures?...i heard this might help keep them more firm for lack of a better word....and no one generally eats the topper anyway..

The figures I've made were made with MMF. When I make flowers, I use gumpaste and it's a lot easier to work with.