I tried to use an extractor for my fondant to make a knitting basket cake but it was REALLY hard to get the fondant out of the hole. Is there anything I can do to make the fondant less tough while not making it insanely sticky? Thanks so much

I just did this the other night. I put my fondant in the microwave for 5 - 10 seconds, makes it softer and easier to push through the extractor.

HTH

Thanks. I actually tried that, too but only left it in for 5. It got kind of sticky but maybe I'll try for a bit longer anyway.

I have trouble with this too. To make it a little easier I add a little shortening and knead it really well. I also grease my clay gun with shortening before loading it with the fondant. I also grease the plunger for easier clean up. Mine is just a plunger style clay gun, but I think there are other kinds on the market that might be easier on your hands.

Add a lot of shortening. Knead it in until it's softer than you'd want to work with before you put it in the extruder.

I have the Makins extruder with the twist top and it's easy on the hands.

Thank you!! I will definitely try that. I also have the plunger kind but have been spending too much money on baking tools lately to buy the screw kind, too.

just knead your fondant soft... grease the extrude a little.. works for me every time.. hth when using the garlic press for hair, etc.. do the same thing..

it's going to be sticky. Add enough Crisco for it to be a bubble gum consistency and then extrude it onto a greased cookie sheet and try not to let the rope fall onto it's self. Let the rope sit a few minutes to stiffen up. Handle quickly but with care.

I agree with SS - and the amoung of shortning is really quite a bit that you will knead into the fondant. Just extrude and go back and forth with it on the wax paper - making a giant snake! Use something sharp to cut it so it has a nice clean line. I use my palette knife or an exacto knife.

Thank you everybody!! I really appreciate all of your answers. Does the shortening not significantly change the taste of the fondant? If I add vanilla or something, will that help?

just made a yarn and basket cake......I use the craft gun and i love it..hate the green one....just add shortening to it and it works like a charm!

Thank you!! I tried it last night and it worked so well! I can't wait to finish the last ball and see how it all looks together. I really appreciate all your help.

thanks again! I finished the cake and am sending you a picture. everything I learned about decorating cakes is from this site so your helps means so much to me. Thank you!!

Hey that looks great!

Thanks!!