I experimented with making MMF but I used regular sized marshmallows, the recipe called for mini ones, and microwaved it for 2 min stirring in between. It went very sticky and chewy and was almost impossible to get out of the bowl. Do I only do it until it melts or what? What is shortening and if it's an American thing, what is the UK alternative? Does anybody have a good MMF recipe? Sorry, I know it's a lot of questions, but I'm 14 and self taught as all cake decorating courses require you to be over 18. Thanks

have you looked at cake shops offering classes? many of them do not have an age restriction, unlike college courses. also, have a look at your councils adult education, which can be flexible on ages too. in the mean time, this site, you tube, and the forum on www.bsguk.org wil be your best teachers!

as for shortening, its vegetable fat, called trex or white flora in the uk. as for making fondant - too much like messy unreliable hard work for me!
xx

First of all, I admire your hard work in the kitchen.
This is my recipe I got from Mayen from Youtube.com


You will need:
Water
1 pound of either miniature marshmallows or regular sized marshmallows.
2 pounds of confectioners sugar.
1/4 cup of shortening (but not necessary)
Lemon extract and butter extract (not necessary)
First, spray a large microwaveable bowl and utensils the vegetable oil spray.
In a your large sprayed bowl, pour 1 pound of marshmallows.
Add: 3 tablespoons of water.
Microwave 30 seconds and stir, 30 seconds and stir, 30 seconds and stir, 30 seconds and stir. Be careful to not over heat your marshmallows. It will be ruined!
Remember: You want the lumps to melt, but they will melt by stirring. You want the marshmallow soft and pourable. The trick here is to keep stirring.
If you have a kitchenaid mixer, spray it all down with vegetable oil spray. Add your marshmallow mixture.
Add confectioners sugar 1 - 2 cups at a time kneading with the dough hook.
At this point you can added the shortening or extract flavorings if desired. (I have only put suggestions as to flavorings, you can use any desired flavor. Some people use lemon juice. Experiment and see what you like)
Continue adding sugar 1-2 cups at a time, kneading through out.
When all of the sugar has been added, you will need to spray vegetable oil spray onto a counter, and possibly knead some more by hand.
Keep adding confectioners sugar a little at a time, until mmf is no longer sticky. (Pinch it and see if it sticks to your fingers.)

If you do not have a kitchen aid mixer, you will have to stir and knead the mmf by hand. Pour out about 4-5 cups of confectioners sugar onto a clean counter. Pour melted marshmallow mixture into a well (hole created in sugar) fold in the sugar from the sides and continue in this method until all the sugar is folded in. Continue to gently knead by hand.

*spray your mmf with vegetable oil spray, place it in a zipper lock bag and seal. mmf is best used if allowed to set at least 3 hours in refrigerator. Letting it set overnight in the fridge is better.
I hope this helps, any questions please feel free to pm me and I will try to help.
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I know it looks difficult but it is not. I was afraid to work with and use this but it is almost as simple as playing with clay!
Good Luck!

I use the recipe, 16oz marshmallows (large pink and whites.. Omit pinks unless making pink/red) 2tbsp water and 2lbs sieves icing sugar. Melt marshmallows and water in microwave.. Just until they're melted don't burn them. Then start adding icing sugar to the bowl stirring it in until you can't anymore, then turn it onto the counter and knead in the rest. Grease everything with trex (in the butter aisle in any supermarket).. Grease hands, bowls, counter, utensils etc.. You might not need all the icing sugar. Once at the right consistency wrap it twice in greased cling film and leave it overnight.

My golf cake is iced in MMF. Feel free to ask questions!

HTH!!

Hello All -

Lots of good information here!
Just how essential is leaving it overnight. I am always running behind and need to cut corners when I can!