Duff Goldman uses cornstarch to keep fondant from sticking, but other bakers use powdered sugar. What are the pros and cons of both and which should I use?

Thanks!!

I use cornstarch. The fondant that I use works much better when I use cornstarch to roll it out on. If I'm not mistaken the only problem with using cornstarch is when you're also using marzipan under your fondant. Some kind of chemical reaction occurs but I can't remember exactly what it is. . So...if you don't use marzipan you should be safe using cornstarch for your fondant.

Cornstarch also leaves residue on the fondant but I use a steamer or a pastry brush with a little Crisco to easily remove any traces of it. Of course powdered sugar also leaves residue.

I also use a vinyl mat that I bought in the fabric department at wal-mart for $2.22 a yard. A yard will make several mats. You don't actually have to use anything but a thin coat of shortening when using the vinyl but I use cornstarch with mine...I just can't seem to work with fondant without using cornstarch

not a fan of cornstarch...seems to dry out my fondant. So I use PS for white fondant or fondant I'm going to paint, and crisco for colored fondant...works great

I use veg shortening for all fondant.

I'm with robin - I have had much better luck with cornstarch than PS and I also use a vinyl mat. I bought a yard of vinyl at my fabric store for @ $3 and cut it in half & it still covered my whole countertop. I find my fondant is less sticky with the cornstarch (I use MFF and Fondarific when I can get it) and I think the cornstarch brushes off easier with a pastry brush than PS does. The vinyl REALLY helps too.

I've been using 50/50 ever since.

I use no mats and powdered sugar to roll out on.

Jen

Can't stand the mess of PS or CS when rolling fondant or when having to "clean up" the finished piece.

I roll on a piece of vinyl or silicone mat with a smear of crisco. No sticking and no mess.

Rae

I use 50/50 half cornstarch and half powdered sugar. Tried the shortening to roll out but all it does is sticks.

I use parchment paper. I just tape it down to my table and I'm good to go. Nothing sticks and I just pick it up and throw it away when I'm done. No more powdered sugar, cornstarch, and shortening. None of them worked as well as plain ol parchment paper. You do have to be careful not to rip it away from the tape though, that gets frustrating.

I do plan on getting a vinyl mat though, then I wouldn't have to get my husband's help with moving it to the cake. The trick is remembering to get it when I am at Walmart.